Top Mozambique Tilapia Fishing Countries

The Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) is a hardy, freshwater fish native to southeastern Africa, known for its adaptability to diverse environments and rapid growth, making it a popular species in aquaculture. This tilapia is widely farmed and harvested not only in its native countries, such as Mozambique and South Africa, but also in regions where it has been introduced, including Egypt, Indonesia, the Philippines, and parts of India. These countries have developed robust tilapia farming industries due to the species’ resilience, high reproductive rate, and consumer demand for affordable protein. Egypt is particularly notable as one of the world’s leading tilapia producers, while Asian countries have also expanded commercial production. The Mozambique tilapia supports local economies through both small-scale artisanal fisheries and large-scale aquaculture, though its introduction outside its native range has sometimes led to ecological concerns due to its invasiveness.

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