The Benishangul Gumuz region has seen an increase in fish production, with the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) Lake emerging as a primary source for the burgeoning industry. The Regional Agriculture Bureau reported that in the 2024/25 fiscal year, fish production surpassed Birr 5,895 tons, with over 95 percent of the yield harvested directly from the dam's waters.
This marks a transformation for the region, which had a production capacity of just over Birr 2,400 tons annually before the dam's construction. According to the Bureau's Animal Sector Deputy Head, Berhanu Iticha (PhD), the region now has the potential to produce more than Birr 10,000 tons of fish each year. The remaining five percent of the current yield comes from the region's rivers and fish farming ponds operated by local associations.
GERD, primarily built for electricity generation, has created a vast lake teeming with diverse and highly demanded fish species, presenting a major economic opportunity. This has spurred job creation, particularly for local youth. So far, 74 fishing associations have been legally established to capitalize on this resource, with 30 of them already operational. These active associations have provided employment for 802 young people, including 658 men and 144 women.
Despite the progress, officials acknowledge challenges hindering the sector's full potential. There is a pressing need for essential equipment, including modern boats, imported nets, and refrigerated trucks to ensure the catch reaches markets in good condition.
The bureau is working to address these obstacles and is encouraging private sector involvement to further scale up production. Officials have pledged to provide necessary support to investors interested in the fish development sector.
Looking ahead, the region has set an ambitious goal to produce more than Birr 8,000 tons of fish in the 2025/26 fiscal year. The strategic focus will be on distributing fish fry, improving production conditions, and raising awareness to maximize the economic benefits of the GERD for both the region and the country.
Source: Addis Zemen
