Dutch, Ugandan ministers sign landmark agreement to boost aquaculture industry

UGANDA – Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Reinette Klever, alongside Uganda’s Minister of State for Fisheries, Hon. Hellen Adoa, signed a letter of intent this week, symbolising a robust partnership to advance the aquaculture industry in East Africa. 

This momentous collaboration celebrated during a visit to De Heus’ aquafeed factory construction site in Njeru, near Jinja, a state-of-the-art plant that is expected to produce 50,000 metric tons of fish feed annually. 

The facility aims to meet the growing demand for high-quality, locally-produced fish feed in East Africa, reducing the region’s reliance on costly imports. 

This significant investment in Uganda strengthens local supply chains and boosts the local economy by sourcing raw materials like maize, cassava, and soy from Ugandan farmers.

“By offering affordable, locally-produced fish feed, we’re playing a crucial role in supporting the sustainable growth of aquaculture across the region,” said Bon Tjeenk Willink, Managing Director of De Heus Uganda. “This factory will empower fish farmers with access to superior feed, enhancing production and improving livelihoods.”

Several prominent dignitaries attended the signing ceremony, including Dutch Ambassador to Uganda Frederieke Quispel, Agricultural Attaché Frank Buizer, and Uganda’s Presidential Advisor on Exports and Industrial Development, Odrek Rwabwogo. 

Following the signing, the visitors toured the construction site, where Plant Manager Robert Kanyembo presented progress updates and discussed the next phases of the factory’s development.

In addition to supporting Uganda’s growing aquaculture sector, De Heus’ commitment to sourcing locally and supporting smallholder farmers helps create a ripple effect, generating jobs and promoting sustainable agriculture practices across Uganda.

De Heus launches tilapia feeds in Western Kenya

Meanwhile, in Kenya, De Heus recently launched its tilapia starter feeds in the Busia and Homa Bay regions. 

Designed specifically for fry and fingerlings (0.01 – 25g), these feeds are engineered to promote healthy growth and overall well-being in tilapia, a key species in the region’s aquaculture sector. 

This launch marks another milestone in De Heus’ efforts to provide East African farmers with cutting-edge solutions to meet the growing demand for sustainable fish farming practices.

“We are ready to elevate tilapia farming with our complete range of aqua feeds, from Tilapia fry powder to 6 mm Finisher feeds,” the company declared during the launch, highlighting their commitment to enhancing tilapia farming in Kenya.

This Kenyan expansion parallels De Heus’ ongoing construction of a KES 3 billion (US$23 million) state-of-the-art feed plant near Athi River. 

Slated for completion by mid-2025, this facility will have the capacity to produce 200,000 metric tons of animal feed annually, further solidifying De Heus’ role as a key player in East Africa’s livestock and aquaculture industries.

Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE.