Africa’s aquaculture scene has just been super-sized, with Rwanda’s leading fish farming company, Kivu Choice, launching a groundbreaking fleet of colossal 30-metre diameter fish cages on the shimmering waters of Lake Kivu. These behemoths of the lake, the first of their kind on the continent, promise to catapult Rwanda into a major player in sustainable protein production, potentially rivalling global tilapia giants.
The launch event, a significant splash in the Rwandan agricultural calendar, drew together policymakers, eager researchers, and local community leaders at Kivu Choice’s bustling farm in the Kagano Sector. The sheer scale of the 12 newly deployed cages is breathtaking, each capable of yielding an astounding 350 tonnes of tilapia annually. This collective capacity of 4,000 tonnes is a game-changer, single-handedly matching the entire aquaculture output of Rwanda just three years ago.
“These cages represent a transformative step,” declared a buoyant Kamran Ahmad, the visionary founder and CEO of Kivu Choice. “They combine scalability, efficiency, and sustainability to meet the rising demand for affordable, high-quality protein across the region.” His ambition is palpable, with Kivu Choice already boasting a remarkable 5,000-tonne annual production rate. The new cages are poised to turbocharge this, with the company setting its sights on a staggering 20,000 tonnes by the close of 2026, and an audacious long-term target of 30,000 tonnes – a figure that would place them amongst the top five tilapia producers worldwide.
This ambitious expansion isn’t just about numbers; it’s about livelihoods. Ahmad anticipates the creation of 1,000 much-needed full-time jobs as the company rolls out its ambitious plans, which include deploying another six of these giant cage concessions in Kagano over the next two years. Kivu Choice’s integrated approach, encompassing everything from its own feed mill and hatchery to distribution and retail, underscores its commitment to building a robust and self-sufficient industry.
Further solidifying its position as an aquaculture innovator, Kivu Choice is breaking ground on a second hatchery, a behemoth 1.5 times larger than its already impressive Kigembe facility, currently the largest in Africa. They’ve also pioneered a unique fingerling transport system, capable of moving half a million young fish per trip, dramatically slashing transport costs. Not stopping there, automation of fish processing and the introduction of Africa’s first feed blower system are also on the horizon, promising even greater efficiency.
But Kivu Choice’s vision extends far beyond economic growth. Deeply aware of the public health challenges facing Rwanda, particularly childhood stunting, the company is ingeniously turning smaller tilapia into a nutrient-rich, nearly tasteless fish powder. This innovative product, packed with essential nutrients from both the meat and bones, is being piloted in partnership with the National Child Development Agency (NCDA) in Early Childhood Development Centres, starting in the Nyamasheke district. Ahmad believes this affordable and highly bioavailable fish powder could be a powerful weapon in the fight against malnutrition in young children across Africa.
Ahmad’s journey with Kivu Choice began with an inspiring visit to Rwanda in 2019. “I was inspired by Rwanda’s turnaround story,” he recounted, “It felt like an opportunity to contribute to a nation doing remarkable things.” His company’s rapid ascent, achieving its current scale at a fraction of the typical cost and time, serves as a testament to the potential within Rwanda’s burgeoning economy and the government’s supportive stance on foreign investment.
Jean Claude Ndorimana, Director General of Animal Resources Development at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), lauded the project as a “remarkable achievement” that aligns perfectly with Rwanda’s vision for a resilient and self-sustaining agricultural sector. He highlighted the significant boost to sustainable protein production and the reduction in reliance on imports that these giant cages will bring. Rwanda has set an ambitious target of 80,000 metric tonnes of fish production by 2035, with Kivu Choice expected to contribute a substantial 30,000 tonnes by 2027.
Echoing this sentiment, Joseph Désiré Muhayeyezu, Vice Mayor for Economic Development in Nyamasheke District, praised Kivu Choice for its dual impact of combating malnutrition and creating jobs, while also making fish a more affordable protein option for local communities.
As the sun sets over Lake Kivu, casting long shadows over the impressive network of giant fish cages, one thing is clear: Kivu Choice is not just farming fish; they are cultivating opportunity, innovation, and a healthier future for Rwanda. The ripples from these giant cages are set to be felt far beyond the shores of this stunning lake, positioning Rwanda as a rising star in Africa’s aquaculture landscape.
