Tilapia Centre of Excellence
Tilapia Centre of Excellence
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Applied Research and Innovation

By linking scientific research directly to the needs of farmers, hatcheries, investors, students, government institutions, and the wider aquaculture industry, we deliver solutions focused on production, profitability, welfare, sustainability, and sector resilience.

Aquaculture in Zambia and the wider Southern African region is growing rapidly, but many production decisions are still made with limited local data. Farmers need evidence on genetics, feed efficiency, water quality, disease risks, stocking density, survival, system design and market performance.

TCoE was established to close this gap. We work with universities, government institutions, commercial producers and development partners to generate practical evidence that improves how tilapia is bred, grown, managed, protected and marketed.

What we focus on

Six applied research areas

Tilapia genetics and seed performance

Evaluating fingerling quality, growth performance, survival, uniformity and production outcomes under local conditions.

Fish nutrition and feed efficiency

Trials on feed performance, feeding strategies, synbiotics, gut health, growth rates and production economics.

Aquatic animal health

Bacterial disease risks, pathogen surveillance, biosecurity systems, vaccine development and farm-level health management.

Production system optimisation

Testing and demonstrating ponds, cages, RAS, nursery systems, biofloc and in-pond raceways.

Water quality and environment

Data to support better water management, farm siting, stocking decisions and responsible production growth.

Farmer and value-chain research

Understanding technical, financial and social constraints affecting smallholder, emerging and commercial producers.
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How we work

TCoE's research is field-facing. We combine laboratory work, controlled trials, farmer data, demonstration systems and industry feedback — so findings move quickly into training materials, advisory services, policy briefs and investment planning.

Our work is also linked to student development. Through research placements, postgraduate supervision and institutional partnerships, TCoE helps build the next generation of African aquaculture scientists and technical leaders.

Who this service supports

Universities, research institutions, government agencies, commercial farms, hatcheries, feed companies, development partners, investors and students seeking practical aquaculture research with direct industry application.

Partner with TCoE to turn aquaculture research into practical solutions for farmers, investors and national food systems.

Discuss a research partnership