Department of Fisheries - Malawi

10/08/2026

Malawi College of Fisheries Empowers Women Fish Traders in Mangochi

The Malawi College of Fisheries (MCF) conducted a three-day capacity-building training for 50 women from the Tigwirizane Fisheries Bank at Malindi, Mangochi District, from 5–7 August 2026.

The women are engaged in the collective and individual buying, processing and selling of Usipa, while also operating a village bank aimed at strengthening savings and improving their livelihoods and economic well-being.

The training covered fish handling, fish processing, value addition and packaging, leadership and group dynamics, and business management. The sessions equipped participants with practical skills to improve fish quality, reduce post-harvest losses, add value to their products, strengthen group management and improve the profitability of their businesses.

The training is expected to contribute to increased household incomes, improved fish products, stronger businesses and greater economic empowerment among the women.

Through such initiatives, the Malawi College of Fisheries continues to support fishing communities with knowledge and skills that promote sustainable livelihoods and strengthen participation in the fisheries value chain.

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi

04/08/2026

Hello Followers!

Please watch this video to discover how improved nutrition practices can transform fish into better health for families in Malawi!

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi
African Development Bank Group

31/07/2026

Stakeholders Unite to Address Lake Chiuta Fisheries Conflicts

The Department of National Unity convened a stakeholder engagement meeting at Lake Chiuta in Senior Chief Ngokwe's area, Machinga District, on 30 July 2026 to better understand the growing conflicts affecting fishing communities on the shared Malawi–Mozambique waterbody.

Community members openly shared the challenges they face, including cross-border disputes, illegal fishing activities and the complexities of managing a transboundary fishery. Discussions also highlighted concerns over the lack of clarity on sections of the international boundary and the resulting security incidents between fishers.

Stakeholders agreed on the need to strengthen collaboration between Malawi and Mozambique to address border-related concerns, harmonise fisheries management measures, and improve the safety and livelihoods of fishing communities.

The meeting brought together representatives from the Department of National Unity, Department of Fisheries, Machinga District Council, Malawi Police Service, traditional leaders, local councillors, Lake Chiuta Fisheries Association, Beach Village Committees and members of the fishing community.

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi
Department of National Unity-Malawi

21/07/2026

Communities Leading the Way in Restoring Fish Stocks

Community-owned fish sanctuaries are playing a vital role in restoring fish stocks and protecting Malawi's aquatic ecosystems. By protecting breeding and nursery areas, these sanctuaries allow fish populations to recover, supporting sustainable fisheries and improving livelihoods.

A great example is the Nansato Community-Owned Fish Sanctuary in Phalombe District on Lake Chilwa. On 16th July 2026, the Department of Fisheries, through the Monkey Bay Capture Fisheries Centre (MCFC), in collaboration with the Phalombe District Fisheries Office and the Swang'oma Beach Village Committee (BVC), conducted a biophysical monitoring exercise to assess the sanctuary's performance.

The monitoring evaluated fish species diversity, abundance, size distribution and key water quality parameters. The results were encouraging, with observations indicating healthy fish populations and signs of fish stock recovery within the protected area. These findings demonstrate the positive impact of empowering local communities to establish, manage and safeguard fish sanctuaries.

The success of Nansato demonstrates the power of community participation in fisheries conservation. The Department of Fisheries remains committed to working with communities and partners to establish and strengthen fish sanctuaries across Malawi for sustainable fisheries and food security.

The monitoring exercise was supported by the TRANSFORM Project, implemented by the Environmental Affairs Department with support from UNDP and the Global Environment Facility through the Least Developed Countries Fund.

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi

20/07/2026

Malawi College of Fisheries Hosts Ugandan Delegation for Knowledge Exchange

We were delighted to host a delegation of fishers and fisheries officers from Uganda at the Malawi College of Fisheries in Mangochi on 13 July 2026. The visit was organised under the Building Adaptive Fisheries Governance Capacity Project, which is being implemented in Malawi and Uganda with funding from the Global Center on Biodiversity for Climate.

During the visit, the delegation engaged with the Community Outreach Unit to exchange experiences and explore practical approaches to community engagement, sustainable fisheries management, and adaptive fisheries governance. The programme featured practical demonstrations, interactive knowledge-sharing sessions, and engaging discussions that fostered mutual learning between participants from the two countries.

The exchange strengthened cross-country collaboration by promoting the sharing of practical approaches to community outreach and fisheries co-management. Participants also committed to applying the knowledge and lessons gained to enhance fisheries governance and community-based resource management in their respective communities.

The Malawi College of Fisheries remains committed to fostering regional partnerships and promoting knowledge exchange to support sustainable fisheries and resilient fishing communities across the region.

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi

19/07/2026

Department of Fisheries Intensifies Enforcement on Lake Malawi

On 18 July 2026, the Namiyasi Fisheries Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) Unit, working jointly with the Marine Police, conducted an enforcement operation on Lake Malawi's south eastern arm in Area A, targeting large-scale fishing operations.

During the operation, three pair trawlers were found fishing illegally within Area A, in which trawling is prohibited. The inspection further revealed that the vessels were using under-meshed nets inserted inside the cod end and were operating without valid fishing licences. Consequently, the illegal fishing gear was confiscated in accordance with the law.

The Department of Fisheries appreciates the support provided by Ripple Africa in facilitating this enforcement activity.

Protecting Malawi's fisheries resources requires compliance with fisheries laws and licence conditions. Authorisation matters. Licence conditions matter. We will continue to enforce the law to safeguard our fisheries for present and future generations.

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi
Ripple Africa

18/07/2026

Minister of Natural Resources commends Chikombe Fishing Community for championing sustainable fisheries management

The Minister of Natural Resources, Honourable Patricia Wiskes, MP, today, 18th July 2026, visited Chikombe Fishing Community in Salima District, where she commended the community for its commitment to participatory fisheries management and sustainable conservation of fish resources.

During the visit, the Minister interacted with members of the Chikombe Beach Village Committee (BVC) and appreciated the community's successful management of Mbenji Island, a renowned model for community-based fisheries management in Africa. She also toured the fish landing facilities constructed by the Department of Fisheries, describing them as important infrastructure for improving fish handling and processing.

In her remarks, Honourable Wiskes applauded the Chikombe BVC for its strong conservation efforts, emphasizing that Beach Village Committees are key partners in implementing fisheries regulations. She further encouraged the community to embrace fish farming as a sustainable way of increasing fish production and reducing pressure on capture fisheries, while reaffirming Government's commitment to supporting fisheries conservation and management.

Welcoming the Minister, Senior Chief Makanjira said his area is home to the famous Mbenji Island, whose fisheries management system has become a model across Africa. He thanked Government for constructing modern fish landing facilities that have improved fish processing and appealed for continued support in strengthening the enforcement of fisheries regulations..

The Minister was accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Honourable Chipiliro Mpinganjira, MP, senior officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Department of Fisheries, and Salima District Council.

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi
Hon. Patricia wiskes

18/07/2026

Happening now: Honourable Patricia Wiskes, MP, Minister of Natural Resources, is today, 18th July 2026, visiting the fish cage farming operations at Lake Malawi Aquaculture Limited in Salima District as part of the Government's drive to increase fish production in Malawi.

Speaking during the visit, Honourable Wiskes said there are enormous opportunities in fish farming, stressing that aquaculture is no longer an alternative but a strategic pillar for unlocking Malawi's economic growth, creating jobs and improving food and nutrition security. She thanked Lake Malawi Aquaculture Limited for its continued investment and contribution towards the country's fisheries development.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of Lake Malawi Aquaculture Limited, Mr. David Nkhwazi, expressed gratitude to the Government of Malawi for the technical and financial support provided during the establishment of the enterprise. He further appealed for the continued creation of a conducive policy and investment environment to enable the aquaculture industry to grow and contribute even more to national development.

The Minister is accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Honourable Chipiliro Mpinganjira, MP, and senior government officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources, Department of Fisheries and Salima District Council.

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi
LM Aquaculture Ltd
Hon. Patricia wiskes

13/07/2026

Department of Fisheries Welcomes Principal Secretaries on Familiarisation Visit

The Department of Fisheries today, 13 July 2026, had the privilege of welcoming the Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Natural Resources, Dr. Misheck Yagontha Munthali, and the Principal Secretary for Administration, Dr. Henry Njoloma, to the Department's Headquarters at Capital Hill in Lilongwe as part of their familiarisation programme.

During an interactive meeting with members of staff, the Principal Secretaries commended the Department for its dedication and commitment to advancing Malawi's fisheries sector. They encouraged staff to develop and implement transformative turnaround strategies, remain focused and purposeful in their work, and continue striving for excellence in delivering services to the nation.

The Principal Secretaries also assured staff that they are approachable leaders who value teamwork, open communication, innovation, and collaboration in achieving the Ministry's strategic objectives. They emphasized the importance of working together to build a stronger, more resilient fisheries sector that contributes meaningfully to Malawi's socio-economic development.

The Department of Fisheries appreciates the visit and looks forward to continued guidance and support as it advances its mandate of promoting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development.

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi

30/06/2026

Message of Appreciation

The Department of Fisheries sincerely thanks everyone who stood with us during the passing of our beloved colleague, Mr. Geoffrey Kanyerere, Senior Deputy Director of Fisheries.

Our heartfelt thanks to:

Ministry of Natural Resources: Honourable Minister, Honourable Deputy Minister, Principal Secretary, Principal Secretary (Administration), Directors & all officers

Department of Fisheries: All centres, districts & staff

Partners & Stakeholders: MZUNI (Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Science), LUANAR (Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Science), Marine Department, Ripple Africa and Commercial Fishers Association

Friends, family & individuals: Too many to name, but not forgotten

Your financial support, prayers, messages of condolence, and presence brought us great comfort during his short illness, funeral arrangements, and burial.

On behalf of the Department, we thank you for your love and solidarity.

May God bless you abundantly.

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi
Hon. Patricia wiskes

DEATH ANNOUNCEMENT

The Ministry of Natural Resources expresses its deep sorrow over the loss of Mr. Geoffrey Kanyerere, who until his sudden death after a short illness, served as a Senior Deputy Director at the Department of Fisheries Headquarters in Lilongwe.

Mr. Kanyerere passed away on Saturday, 27th June 2026 in Lilongwe.

He joined the Department of Fisheries on 26th November, 1996 as a Fisheries Research Officer.

Throughout his industrious and distinguished career, he served the Ministry with dedication, commitment, and professionalism in advancing the sustainable management and development of Malawi’s fisheries resources.

The burial will take place on Monday, 29th June, 2026, in Mwadandambi Village, Traditional Authority Chikulamayembe in Rumphi District.

The Ministry extends its sincere condolences to the Hon Minister and Deputy Ministers of Natural Resources, Management and staff, The Kanyerere family, relatives, friends, colleagues, and all those affected by this sudden loss of Mr Kanyerere

May his soul rest in eternal peace.