Top Zimbabwe Fish Catches

Zimbabwe’s fishing industry, though relatively modest compared to coastal nations, plays a vital role in local food security and recreation. The country is renowned for its rich freshwater resources, particularly Lake Kariba—one of the world’s largest man-made lakes—where the iconic kapenta (Tanganyika sardine) is the top commercial catch, supporting both livelihoods and export markets. Other prominent species include the tigerfish, prized by sport anglers for its fighting spirit, as well as bream (tilapia), catfish, and various cichlids. Fishing in Zimbabwe has deep roots, with traditional subsistence fishing predating colonial times, but the industry expanded significantly after the creation of Lake Kariba in the late 1950s, which transformed local economies and spurred the development of commercial and recreational fisheries. Today, Zimbabwe’s fish catches continue to support rural communities, tourism, and a growing interest in sustainable aquaculture.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.