A new Aquaculture Development and Enhancement Programme (ADEP) has been launched by South Africa’s Minister of Trade and Industry, in a bid to boost investment and growth within the aquaculture sector.

The ADEP will boost South Africa's aquacutlure sector. Photo: Coda

The ADEP will boost South Africa's aquacutlure sector. Photo: Coda

The aim of the programme is to stimulate investment in the aquaculture sector to increase production, encourage geographical spread and broaden participation. It will also create and support new jobs, food security, foreign currency and skills development.

Dr Rob Davies, who launched the ADEP, says it will help develop the sector through the use of a significant grant of up to ZAR40m (£2.9m) for new and expansion projects.

"South Africa is currently at the bottom of the development curve and still in its infancy stage when it comes to the aquaculture sector. South Africa only contributes about 1% of Africa’s aquaculture production. This launch can be used as an opportunity to grow the sector in the next few years to remain competitive globally,” Mr Davies said.

Aquaculture is one of the key government priorities which forms part of South Africa's Industrial Policy Action Plan and the New Growth Plan.

Mr Davies added: "The East London Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) has over the years played a significant role in the aquaculture sector and given enough resources and investments we can multiply the work in other parts of the country.”