SADC PROFISHBLUE Project Boosts Fisheries with Refrigerated Trucks for Six SMEs

On March 20, 2025, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat, through the PROFISHBLUE Project, delivered refrigerated trucks to six SMEs across Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The initiative, funded by the African Development Bank and worth over $10 million, aims to reduce post-harvest fish losses, bolster food security, and promote sustainable fisheries in the SADC region.

Among the recipients was Twiyule Fish Farmers’ Cooperative in Malawi, where a handover ceremony was hosted. Officials, including Malawi’s Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Honourable Dr Owen Chomanika, emphasized the trucks' role in improving fish product distribution, creating employment, and reducing poverty.

The project focuses on empowering women and youth, with 93% of beneficiaries being women and 53% youth. Training sessions were provided to enhance SME management in governance, finance, and post-harvest practices. This marks a critical milestone in SADC's commitment to strengthening food systems and supporting fisheries within the blue economy framework.