Eswatini, a small, landlocked country in Southern Africa, has a modest fishing industry primarily focused on inland freshwater fisheries rather than commercial-scale operations. The country's top fish catches include tilapia species (notably Oreochromis mossambicus), catfish (Clarias gariepinus), and various species of barbs and yellowfish found in rivers and reservoirs such as the Maguga and Lubovane dams. Fishing in Eswatini is largely artisanal and recreational, with small-scale aquaculture gaining importance in recent decades to bolster food security and rural livelihoods. Historically, fishing was limited to subsistence activities in rivers and streams, but the establishment of dams and fish farming projects since the late 20th century has gradually expanded the sector. Despite its small scale, the fishing industry plays a valuable role in providing nutrition and supplementary income for local communities.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Freshwater fishes nei | 65 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.