What are the 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

Department of Fisheries - Malawi

Home
Malawi
Lilongwe
Department of Fisheries - Malawi

Promoting sustainable development, utilization and management of capture fisheries and aquaculture.

08/09/2026

Strengthening Aquaculture Commercialisation through the UCHI Project

The Department of Fisheries is intensifying technical support to fish farmers under the Aquaculture Commercialisation Activity of the UNDP-supported UCHI Project.

Over the past week, two teams visited fish farmer organisations in Mulanje, Chitipa, Karonga and Nkhata Bay to assess production, skills, infrastructure, markets, biosecurity and key challenges affecting commercialisation. Kasungu will be visited this week.

The exercise highlighted strong potential for scaling up land-based aquaculture, while identifying key gaps in quality feed and fingerlings, finance, infrastructure, skills and climate resilience.

The Department is encouraging farmers to move from small-scale production towards commercially viable, climate-resilient enterprises, supported by stronger cooperatives, improved access to inputs and finance, value addition and stronger market linkages.

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi
UNDP Malawi

07/09/2026

Malawi Hosts African Women in Science Leadership and Learning Exchange Program

The Department of Fisheries is delighted to host eight African Women in Science (AWIS) Fellows from the African Great Lakes region, accompanied by two programme coordinators, from 6–13 September 2026.

The AWIS Advanced Leadership Programme, supported by the African Centre for Aquatic Research and Education (ACARE), empowers African women scientists in fisheries and aquatic sciences through professional development, leadership training and knowledge exchange, strengthening their voices and contributions to science and sustainable management of Africa’s aquatic resources.

The programme kicked off with engagements with Department of Fisheries officials on Malawi’s fisheries management and aquaculture development initiatives, alongside leadership training to strengthen the Fellows’ leadership skills.

During their visit, the Fellows will engage with LUANAR, Senga Bay and Monkey Bay Capture Fisheries Centres, and Domasi Aquaculture Centre, exploring fisheries research and innovation. They will also visit fishing communities in Salima and Mangochi to learn about participatory fisheries management, fish processing and the important role of women in fisheries.

The Fellows also had the opportunity to meet the Principal Secretary for Natural Resources, who warmly welcomed them to Malawi and encouraged them to strengthen the network of women scientists, inspire the next generation and champion greater participation of women in science. The program coordinators also made a courtesy call to the Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Honourable Chipiliro Mpinganjira.

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi
African Center for Aquatic Research and Education

03/09/2026

LOOKING FOR YOUR NEXT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY? LOOK TO AQUACULTURE.

Malawi’s fish market is growing, and so is the opportunity to invest.

From commercial cage and pond fish farming to fish hatcheries, fish feed manufacturing, fish processing and value addition, exciting opportunities exist across the aquaculture value chain.

With ambitious national production targets and strong demand for fish, the time to invest is now.

The Government of Malawi, through the Department of Fisheries, is ready to support investors to unlock the potential of this growing sector.

Watch the video. See the opportunity. Invest in Malawi’s aquaculture future.

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi
Ministry of Agriculture - Malawi
Hon. Patricia wiskes

29/08/2026

Department of Fisheries at the 22nd National Agriculture Fair Showcasing Opportunities and Inspiring Investment

As the 22nd National Agriculture Fair comes to a close today at the Chichiri Trade Fair Grounds in Blantyre, the Department of Fisheries is proud to showcase the diverse opportunities and innovations within Malawi’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.

Our pavilions demonstrated aquaculture technologies, fingerling production and value addition while engaging with farmers, investors, and the general public. We believe that from water to wealth, fisheries and aquaculture are key to transforming Malawi’s economy which depends largely on agriculture.

We thank everyone who has visited our pavilion and showed interest in the fisheries and aquaculture sector!

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi
Ministry of Agriculture - Malawi

27/08/2026

Department of Fisheries at the 22nd National Agriculture Fair

The Department of Fisheries is participating in the 22nd National Agriculture Fair, taking place from 27–29 August 2026 at the Chichiri Trade Fair Grounds in Blantyre under the theme “Transforming Agriculture through Innovation, Value Addition and Market Linkages.”

The Fair was officially opened today by the Guest of Honour, Honourable Roza Fatch Mbilizi, MP, Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, and brings together key players from across Malawi’s agriculture sector.

The Department of Fisheries is showcasing the contribution of fisheries and aquaculture to food and nutrition security, livelihoods, employment and economic growth, with a focus on aquaculture technologies, fingerling production, fish feeds, value addition and sustainable fisheries management.

The fisheries and aquaculture sector is full of opportunities and we are here to showcase them!

Ministry of Natural Resources- Malawi
Ministry of Agriculture - 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

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

http://www.malawi.gov.mw/fisheries

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Department of Fisheries - Malawi posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your organization to be the top-listed Government Service in Lilongwe?