Burundi investment

 

Fishing is an important activity for Burundi’s economy and social dimension. The production of fish in Burundi represents 1% of the GDP and contributes to the food of the population. Every inhabitant consumes about 2 kg/ year. The total surface of water exploitable in Burundi is of 2,300 km², of which 95% is in the northern part – the east of Lake Tanganyika is adjacent to the country on a distance of 150 km. The other 5% encompasses the lakes of the north (Cohoha and Rweru) and rivers. Lake Tanganyika covers a total surface of 320,000 km², the Burundian share of the lake represents close to 8% of this surface, the rest being shared between the Democratic Republic of Congo (45%), Tanzania (41%), and Zambia (6%). The yearly production capacity of the lake has been estimated at 250,000 tons (30% – 40%), but yearly production is about 167 000 tons. Lake Tanganyika is an ecosystem that can allow for an industrial fishing. It contains many sought–after fish species. It harbours a particularly rich and diverse fish fauna, with close to 300 species of cichlidae and non–cichlidae, approximately two–thirds of which are endemic. Lake Tanganyika is known to overflow with some of the tastiest fish. Burundi offers excellent opportunities for the development of farming cooperatives and community on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. This sector benefits from some advantages as follows : Temperatures offering potential for breeding ponds which are usually located at altitudes between 1,500 m and 1,800 m Although temperatures are generally lower than the highest standard for tilapia nilotica, it was discovered that in fact, nine month growth cycles produce acceptable crop Most provinces located in the centre and west of the country, have an ample supply of water, coming with relatively constant streams throughout the year The fishing sector is in the hands of the private sector. It is divided in three types of activities : Semi–industrial Artisanal Traditional Fish is sold on rural markets fresh or dried and smoked. Similarly, fish is often transformed by drying and smoking before being put on the circuit markets. Refrigerated storage and transportation facilities are available in the country. Although production levels depend heavily on planning, experience shows that locally, as far as tilapia nilotica is concerned, 500 kg to 1 500 kg/ ha/ year can be obtained within a nine month production cycle, each fish weighing between 150 gr and 300 gr. Fish farming is accessible to new investors looking for new opportunities.