Department of Fisheries - Malawi

Department of Fisheries - Malawi Promoting sustainable development, utilization and management of capture fisheries and aquaculture.

CLOSED FISHING SEASON IN MALAWIThe Department of Fisheries reminds all fishers and the general public that the Closed Fi...
05/10/2026

CLOSED FISHING SEASON IN MALAWI

The Department of Fisheries reminds all fishers and the general public that the Closed Fishing Season is an important measure to protect fish during critical breeding periods and allow fish stocks to replenish. This helps to secure fish, livelihoods and food and nutrition security for present and future generations.

We call upon everyone to respect the closed seasons and comply with the specified fishing restrictions. Let us all play our part in safeguarding Malawi's fisheries.

Please read the full General Notice below for details on the affected areas, periods and fishing gears.

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi

05/10/2026

Fisheries and aquaculture: A year of progress

Watch this video highlighting some of the key achievements and strides made in the fisheries and aquaculture sector over the past year

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi

Government, Lab20 Innovations sign MoU to advance local fish feed productionThe Ministry of Natural Resources has today,...
30/09/2026

Government, Lab20 Innovations sign MoU to advance local fish feed production

The Ministry of Natural Resources has today, 30 September 2026, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lab20 Innovations Limited for the proposed establishment and operationalisation of a public-private joint venture for the Fish Feed Milling Plant at Luwinga, Mzuzu.

The partnership is expected to strengthen local fish feed production, with the plant having the capacity to produce approximately 15,000 metric tonnes of feed annually. This investment will contribute to Malawi’s ambition of producing 200,000 metric tonnes of fish feed by 2030, while supporting the commercialisation of aquaculture, which targets 100,000 metric tonnes of fish production by 2030.

Principal Secretary for Natural Resources, Dr. Misheck Yagontha Munthali, said the partnership demonstrates the complementary roles of Government and the private sector, with Government providing technical expertise and sector information, while the private sector brings investment and business capacity. He lamented Malawi’s continued reliance on imported fish feed, including from neighbouring Zambia, saying the initiative is therefore timely as demand for feed is expected to grow alongside investments in cage aquaculture and other production systems.

Lab20 Innovations Managing Director, Dr. George Ng’ambi, described the partnership as an opportunity to turn Malawi’s technical expertise and locally available raw materials into local production. He said the company will work closely with Department of Fisheries technical officers to develop quality fish feed that meets international standards, while noting that affordable energy will be important in keeping production costs and feed prices manageable.

The MoU marks an important step towards strengthening Malawi’s domestic feed industry, reducing reliance on imports and creating an enabling environment for the sustainable growth and commercialisation of the aquaculture sector.

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi
Lab20 Innovations Limited
George Ng'ambi

IAAM Media Tour: Ntchisi Showcases Innovation and Youth in AquacultureThe IAAM media tour organised by the Co-operative ...
23/09/2026

IAAM Media Tour: Ntchisi Showcases Innovation and Youth in Aquaculture

The IAAM media tour organised by the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF Canada) on 22 September 2026, moved to Ntchisi District and highlighed how farmers are turning integrated aquaculture-agriculture into new opportunities for food, income and resilience.

At Kaonemo Irrigation Scheme (Traditional Authority Nthondo), farmers are combining fish farming in a multipurpose dam with irrigation, making the same water resource work harder for both food production and livelihoods. With IAAM support, including fingerlings and training, the group is diversifying its income sources.

The tour also spotlighted Mkonkha Youth Fish Farmers Club (Traditional Authority Msauka), where young farmers are embracing aquaculture and value addition. Alongside fish production, the club is producing fish powder to improve nutrition and create additional value.

The media tour continues to showcase community experiences, results and lessons from the five-year Integrating Aquaculture-Agriculture to Combat Food Insecurity in Malawi (IAAM) Project (2024–2028). Funded by the Government of Norway the project is implemented in eight districts to strengthen food and nutrition security, household incomes and climate resilience.

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi
CDF Canada - IAAM Project

IAAM Project Media Tour Begins in DowaThe Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF Canada) today, 21 September...
21/09/2026

IAAM Project Media Tour Begins in Dowa

The Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF Canada) today, 21 September 2026, began a media tour of selected sites under the Integrating Aquaculture-Agriculture to Combat Food Insecurity in Malawi (IAAM) Project), starting in Dowa District.

At Machentche Cooperative in Mponela EPA, journalists witnessed fish harvesting from an integrated farming system combining fish farming with crops, livestock and other agricultural activities. Farmers expect to harvest over 1.5 tonnes of fish, providing an important source of income.

IAAM Project Integrated Aquaculture-Agriculture Specialist, Mrs Tiwonge Soko Nyirenda highlighted how integration enables farmers to diversify production, maximise available resources and build resilience to climate shocks.

The media also visited Chinyanya Village Natural Resources Management Committee under Traditional Authority Chiwere, where community members are restoring forests with support through tree seedlings, training and equipment.

The media tour will continue in other participating districts, capturing community experiences, results and lessons from the five-year IAAM Project (2024–2028), funded by the Government of Norway and implemented in eight districts to strengthen food and nutrition security, household incomes and climate resilience.

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi
CDF Canada - IAAM Project
Dowa District Council

MAPPING MALAWI’S FISHERIES: 2026 ANNUAL FRAME SURVEY UNDERWAYIt’s that time of the year again! The Department of Fisheri...
21/09/2026

MAPPING MALAWI’S FISHERIES: 2026 ANNUAL FRAME SURVEY UNDERWAY

It’s that time of the year again! The Department of Fisheries is conducting the 2026 Annual Frame Survey from 20–26 September 2026, providing a vital snapshot of Malawi’s fisheries sector.

The nationwide exercise covers key fishing districts and major water bodies, including Lake Malawi, Upper Shire River, Lake Malombe, Lake Chiuta and Lake Chilwa.

What is being captured?
The survey provides a comprehensive picture of the fisheries sector, including:
- Number of fishers, including gear owners and crew members
- Types and numbers of fishing crafts
- Types and numbers of fishing gears

This information is more than just numbers, it provides the evidence needed to understand the scale and structure of Malawi’s fisheries, support sustainable fisheries management, inform policy and planning, and guide investments by Government, development partners and other stakeholders.

The 2026 exercise is being spearheaded by the Capture Fisheries Division of the Department of Fisheries in collaboration with District Fisheries Offices, with field teams collecting information across the country.

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi

AU-IBAR Team Pays Courtesy Visit to the Minister of Natural ResourcesThe AU-IBAR team, led by Mr Obinna Anozie, today, 1...
17/09/2026

AU-IBAR Team Pays Courtesy Visit to the Minister of Natural Resources

The AU-IBAR team, led by Mr Obinna Anozie, today, 17 September 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Natural Resources, Honourable Patricia Wiskes, MP, at Capital Hill, Lilongwe. The visit was made following the successful conclusion of the three-day National Consultative Workshop on Malawi’s Blue Economy Strategy.

In her remarks, Honourable Wiskes stressed that Malawi, despite being landlocked, is not water-poor, with abundant water resources and determined communities that provide a strong foundation for unlocking opportunities in fisheries and aquaculture. She called for increased investment, technical expertise and practical implementation to harness the sector’s potential for economic growth, employment, food security and poverty reduction. She urged AU-IBAR to continue supporting Malawi in developing a vibrant sector and positioning the country as a model for others, assuring the team of a conducive government environment and support.

Also present at the meeting were the Principal Secretary for Natural Resources, Dr Misheck Yagontha Munthali, and the Principal Secretary for Administration, Dr Henrie Njoloma.

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi
African Union
Hon. Patricia wiskes

Malawi and Zambia Strengthen Regional Fisheries and Aquaculture GovernanceA three-day consultative workshop on the devel...
14/09/2026

Malawi and Zambia Strengthen Regional Fisheries and Aquaculture Governance

A three-day consultative workshop on the development of SADC regional fisheries and aquaculture strategies, action plans and policy papers commenced today in Lusaka, Zambia.

The workshop brings together stakeholders from Malawi and Zambia to advance sustainable, inclusive and evidence-based fisheries and aquaculture management, while strengthening the voice of small-scale fisheries.

Key areas of discussion include the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, the domestication of FAO Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines, and the revision of the SADC Regional Aquaculture Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2036).

Officially opened by Zambia’s Director of Fisheries, Evans Mutanuka, the workshop is supported by GIZ through the Sustainable Aquatic Food Programme, commissioned by the German Government and co-funded by the European Union.

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi
GIZ Malawi

Malawi Advances Fisheries and Aquaculture under the Blue EconomyMalawi has commenced a three-day National Consultative W...
14/09/2026

Malawi Advances Fisheries and Aquaculture under the Blue Economy

Malawi has commenced a three-day National Consultative Workshop (14–16 September 2026) in Lilongwe to strengthen fisheries, aquaculture, conservation and sustainable aquatic ecosystems under the National Blue Economy Strategy.

Officially opening the workshop, Secretary for Natural Resources, Dr Misheck Yagontha Munthali called for practical, well-resourced and measurable actions to drive economic growth, food security, employment and livelihoods through sustainable use of Malawi’s aquatic resources.

Representing AU-IBAR, Mr Obinna Anozie reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Malawi’s Blue Economy aspirations, emphasising science-based governance, conservation and inclusive development.

With technical support from AU-IBAR and funding from the Government of Norway, the workshop brings together key stakeholders to validate priority interventions and develop an implementation roadmap for integrating fisheries, aquaculture and aquatic ecosystem conservation into Malawi’s Blue Economy agenda.

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi
African Union

AFIWEL Programme Implemented by OHDI Engage Government on Fish Welfare and Aquaculture TransformationRepresentatives of ...
11/09/2026

AFIWEL Programme Implemented by OHDI Engage Government on Fish Welfare and Aquaculture Transformation

Representatives of the Africa Fish and Aquaculture Welfare (AFIWEL) Programme being implemented by the One Health and Development Initiative (OHDI) today, 11 September 2026, met Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Dr. Misheck Yagontha Munthali, to discuss fish welfare and aquaculture transformation in Malawi.

The delegation comprised Dr. Samuel Akpan, representing the OHDI Executive Director; Ms. Julie Bwoga, Programme Manager; and Ms. Meriam Phiri Msatilomo, AFIWEL Fellow based in Malawi.

Dr. Munthali welcomed the initiative, noting its alignment with Government’s agenda to commercialise and transform the aquaculture sector. He emphasised that fish welfare standards should be practical, inclusive and enabling, allowing even small-scale value chain actors to comply and thrive.

The meeting followed a three-day National Fish Welfare Manual of Standard Operating Procedures (FW-MSOP) Development Workshop held in Lilongwe from 8–10 September, which brought together stakeholders to develop practical fish welfare standards for Malawi’s growing aquaculture sector.

AFIWEL Programme is currently working in 11 African countries, including Malawi, to advance fish welfare across the aquaculture value chain.

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi
Africa Fish & Aquaculture Welfare - Afiwel
One Health and Development Initiative

Address

Department Of Fisheries Building, P. O. Box 593, Capital Hill
Lilongwe

Opening Hours

Monday 07:30 - 16:30
Tuesday 07:30 - 16:30
Wednesday 07:30 - 16:30
Thursday 07:30 - 16:30
Friday 07:30 - 16:30

Telephone

+2651788511

Website

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