Tanzania has launched a USD 117 million (EUR 99 million) World Bank-funded project, the Scaling-Up Sustainable Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture Management (TASFAM) initiative, aimed at increasing the country’s seafood production and reducing post-harvest losses. Initiated in early February 2026 after planning began in May 2025, the project will run for five years and is expected to raise sustainable aquaculture production by 40,000 metric tons (MT) by 2028, ultimately reaching 250,000 MT by the end of the project.
The project is set to benefit at least 160,000 people across 28 coastal districts on mainland Tanzania and the island of Zanzibar. TASFAM dedicates USD 14.49 million (EUR 12.3 million) toward developing a sustainable and climate-resilient blue economy. This includes technical and financial support to improve the condition of 23 marine protected areas and fund ecosystem restoration programs in critical locations to ensure healthier and more productive fisheries.
A significant portion of the project—USD 72.23 million (EUR 61.3 million)—will address key fisheries sector challenges. This funding will strengthen marine fisheries research, enhance data collection and management, support co-management of artisanal fisheries with local communities, and improve the entire fisheries value chain to reduce post-harvest losses and increase quality. Measures include the introduction of modern, safer boats, tracking systems, at-sea safety equipment, and upgrades to fish handling, processing, and marketing practices.
TASFAM also finances infrastructure projects, including climate-resilient landing sites, fish markets, warehouses for anchovy storage, a sardine and small pelagic processing plant, and the rehabilitation and expansion of a wharf under a public-private partnership model. This infrastructure is designed to complement community-led initiatives and business incubation programs aimed at strengthening the fisheries value chain in strategic areas.
For marine aquaculture, the project provides USD 18.4 million (EUR 15.62 million) to improve seed production, grow-out, post-harvest handling, value addition, and marketing of seaweed and sea cucumber. The project is financed by the World Bank through its International Development Association (IDA) and the PROBLUE multi-donor trust fund, which receives contributions from countries including Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, the U.K., the U.S., and the European Commission.
TASFAM represents a comprehensive effort to modernize Tanzania’s fisheries and aquaculture sector, enhance climate resilience, strengthen community livelihoods, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the country’s marine resources.
