Deadline: 31-Aug-2025
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Kampala (EKN) is funding a project under its Private Sector Development portfolio to support inclusive growth in Uganda’s aquaculture sector. This initiative focuses on strengthening input supply, improving production and distribution, and expanding access to affordable, high-quality fingerlings, feed, and equipment. A lack of high-quality indigenous genetics for tilapia is also being addressed to improve feed conversion rates.
The project aims to boost aquaculture production by enhancing farm management and enabling small farmers to benefit from collective bargaining. While Uganda leads aquaculture in East Africa, poor infrastructure and low capacity hinder smaller farms from accessing export markets and better prices.
To ensure long-term impact, the project includes extensive skills development and capacity building across the aquaculture value chain. Training will be delivered not only to fish farmers but also to district agricultural extension officers. The focus is on modern practices, tailored content, and empowering farmers to negotiate effectively with buyers.
Expanding the domestic market for farmed fish is another key component. Low local consumption is often due to affordability issues. The project will promote awareness and access to boost nutritional intake and demand for farmed fish within Uganda.
Access to finance remains a major barrier for aspiring aquaculture farmers. With commercial interest rates above 16%, many cannot afford loans. Even lower-cost government schemes are often out of reach due to strict criteria. Additionally, there are no aquaculture insurance products available to de-risk investments.
A supportive environment is essential for sustainable aquaculture. This includes favorable government policies, minimal trade barriers, and strong regulatory capacity to ensure good practices and attract investment to the sector.
The project has a total budget of up to 6 million euros and will run for four years. The primary beneficiaries are small to medium-sized fish farmers with growth potential. Priority will be given to those operating for more than a year.
Gender equality is a central concern. Women’s roles in aquaculture are often limited to fish trading, so the project will actively work to include them in other parts of the value chain. Youth empowerment is also a core goal, aligned with both Dutch development policy and Uganda’s NDP IV agenda to reduce youth unemployment.
Inclusiveness is critical. The project must avoid discrimination and provide space for marginalized groups, including people with disabilities and low-influence farmers. Strong safeguarding measures must be in place to prevent abuse and ensure fair treatment.
Eligible applicants must have experience managing single projects worth at least USD 5 million. They should provide references, results, and contact details from previous donors. Applicants must also have a presence in Uganda or commit to opening an office within three months of starting the project.
The preferred applicant is an NGO, foundation, or consultancy firm without sector investments and with experience implementing aquaculture development projects at a similar scale in one country.
A review committee will evaluate the submitted proposals. Selected consortia will be invited to submit a full proposal. The committee includes representatives from the Embassy of the Netherlands in Uganda, Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Invest International/Netherlands Enterprise Agency.
For more information, visit Kingdom of the Netherlands to Uganda.
