Western Province has recorded another milestone in its drive toward economic transformation following the commissioning of the K10.8 million Senanga Aquaculture Expansion Project by the Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Hon. Eng. Elias Mubanga, MP.
The project, spearheaded by the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) in partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, is part of the Governmentβs broader agenda to promote food security, job creation, and inclusive economic growth under the 8th National Development Plan.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Hon. Mubanga said the initiative reflects the New Dawn Governmentβs commitment to empowering rural communities through sustainable enterprise development.
βThis project is more than just fish farming, it is about empowerment, employment, and economic transformation for the people of Western Province. It speaks directly to President Hakainde Hichilemaβs call for increased aquaculture production to reduce the national fish depletion and create opportunities for women and youth.β
During the launch, 26 floating fish cages were officially commissioned on the Zambezi River, and over 42,000 fish fingerlings were stocked, marking the first production cycle under the project.
The Senanga Aquaculture project includes 56 floating cages in total, a modern hatchery capable of producing one million fingerlings annually, a 10-ton cold room, and a 5-ton refrigerated truck to support storage and transportation.
The project is expected to produce over 300 metric tons of fish per production cycle, creating over 800 direct and indirect jobs for the local population.
Western Province Minister, Hon. Kapelwa Mbangweta, MP, praised CEEC and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock for supporting Senangaβs growth, noting that the investment demonstrates Governmentβs resolve to unlock the Provinceβs economic potential.
βThis is a model of community-based empowerment that improves livelihoods and stimulates local enterprise. Western Province is ready to lead in aquaculture and value addition.β
CEEC Director General, Dr. Muwe Mungule, said the Commissionβs empowerment model ensures that cooperatives receive not only infrastructure but also business and technical training for long-term sustainability.
βWe are promoting inclusive entrepreneurship by enabling local cooperatives to participate fully in the fish value chain. This is how real empowerment takes root.β
Representing the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE), Induna Meimanene expressed gratitude to the Government and its partners for investing in Senanga, saying the initiative aligns with the traditional authorityβs efforts to promote development while safeguarding natural resources.
The project will also introduce value addition and cold chain systems, reducing post-harvest losses and allowing farmers to access wider markets.
The Senanga model will be replicated in other districts across Western Province as part of the Governmentβs strategy to make aquaculture a driver of rural development and economic diversification.
