Malawi has lost 52 percent of its ornamental fish export markets, the country’s main fish export due to cargo flight challenges that have disrupted access to international aquarium markets.
The 2026 Malawi Government Annual Economic Report indicates that Malawi previously exported ornamental fish to six countries, namely Malaysia, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan and Tanzania, but the number has now dropped to four.
But data show exports are now going to Tanzania, Hong Kong, Denmark and the United Kingdom.
Ornamental fish are decorative fish kept in aquariums because of their bright colours, patterns and unique shapes. They are exported alive for the global aquarium trade rather than for consumption.
Malawi’s exports are largely made up of colourful cichlid species from Lake Malawi, particularly the brightly coloured Mbuna, which also attract research interest both locally and internationally.
But despite the shrinking export markets, export revenues have increased.
The figures show that between January and December 2025, Malawi exported 58 457 live ornamental fish, generating $120 711 in revenue. This represents a 26 percent increase from 2024, when the country exported 38 585 fish valued at $95 820.
However, experts say structural challenges in the fisheries sector continue to limit growth.
Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources Centre for Agricultural Research and Development director Innocent Pangapanga-Phiri said Malawi has also lost markets for ornamental fish partly because production and supply systems remain weak.
He said: “Where we stand now, much of the fish production comes from the lake or natural water bodies. To some extent, these resources have been overused and what comes from there cannot meet the demand we tend to have.
“The consumption of fish in Malawi is already below the recommended level, but at the same time we are failing to meet the demand from our growing population.”
Pangapanga-Phiri said Malawi needs to shift its focus towards large-scale aquaculture to increase production as this would eventually attract better transport connectivity.
The Department of Fisheries earlier noted that government has introduced several measures to protect fish stocks and improve the sector.
These include the introduction of a vessel monitoring system on Lake Malawi, the review of fishing regulations and improvements in fish processing technologies such as solar tent driers.
Meanwhile, national catch statistics show that total fish production from all water bodies increased from 198 094 metric tonnes in 2024 to 211 020 metric tonnes in 2025, representing a 6.5 percent increase.
Per capita fish consumption has also risen slightly from 9.2 kilogrammes (kg) per person per year in 2024 to 9.5 kg in 2025, but remains below the World Health Organisation recommended intake of 13 to 15 kilogrammes per person per year.
Presenting the 2026/27 Budget Statement in Parliament in Lilongwe on February 27, Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralisation Joseph Mwanamvekha said government has allocated K14 billion to Mega Farms Initiative, including K3 billion specifically for Aquaculture Mega Farms.
“This is a deliberate effort by government to boost fish production both for local consumption and exports,” he said.
The Department of Fisheries figures show that government has licensed 42 large-scale commercial fishing units and issued 2,082 small-scale fishing licences.
The fisheries sector remains a key source of employment, supporting more than 75 233 people in small-scale fisheries and about 600 individuals in commercial fisheries.
