Private investors operating on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam reservoir, locally known as Nigat Lake, have harvested 3.8 million kilogrammes of fish this fiscal year, according to Sheger Radio.

The production involved twelve investors, including Elfora Agro-Industries, a subsidiary of MIDROC Ethiopia, who collaborated with youth groups from the Guba area to supply 3,895 tonnes of fish to the market.

Bushe­n Bufa, a fisheries specialist at the Benishangul Gumuz Regional Agriculture Bureau, said the investors employed fishing machinery and refrigerated trucks to facilitate harvest and distribution. He added that prior security concerns had hindered operations, but the situation has stabilised, allowing commercial activity to expand.

Despite the output, production remains below the fiscal year target of 9,995 tonnes. Of the 80 organised fishing cooperatives in the region, only 35 are operational due to shortages of boats, nets and other essential inputs. The bureau has requested support from the Ministry of Agriculture and secured limited assistance, while talks with donor institutions continue to address remaining gaps.

Nigat Lake hosts 29 species of fish, with koroso, Nile perch and ambaza accounting for the majority of the harvest. Officials estimate the lake has an annual production capacity of 15,000 tonnes, or approximately 13.6 million kilogrammes, while the region’s five rivers could collectively produce 2,400 tonnes per year.

Authorities have called for additional domestic and international investors to enter the sector, highlighting both the available capacity and growing market demand for fish products.