Applied Research & Innovation
Research That Solves Real Aquaculture Problems
We link scientific research directly to the needs of farmers, hatcheries, investors, students, government institutions and the wider aquaculture industry — 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 & seed performance
Evaluating fingerling quality, growth performance, survival, uniformity and production outcomes under local conditions.
Fish nutrition & 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 & environment
Data to support better water management, farm siting, stocking decisions and responsible production growth.
Farmer & value-chain research
Understanding technical, financial and social constraints affecting smallholder, emerging and commercial producers.
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.
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.