Zimbabwe’s lakes are rich with opportunity, and for many families, kapenta fishing is more than just a way of life — it’s the lifeline that puts food on the table, sends children to school, and sustains entire communities. But while the waters of Lake Kariba and other major lakes remain full of fish, many small-scale kapenta fishers continue to face challenges that limit their earnings and expose them to exploitation. The Kapenta Fishing Co-operative Society Limited was formed to change that — and now it is inviting new members to join a growing movement of fishers working together for a better, more secure future.

This registered co-operative brings together licensed kapenta fishers from across Zimbabwe who are ready to benefit from the power of unity. Members enjoy access to shared facilities such as cold rooms, ice-making machines, drying racks, and processing equipment. These resources reduce post-harvest losses and improve the quality and shelf-life of the catch, allowing members to fetch better prices in the market.

But the benefits of membership go far beyond infrastructure. The co-operative plays a vital role in connecting fishers directly to bulk buyers — supermarkets, exporters, processors, and public institutions — cutting out the middlemen who often underpay individual fishers. Through group marketing and collective bargaining, members earn more per bucket of kapenta and enjoy more stable income throughout the fishing season.

The co-operative also offers valuable training and support. Members are equipped with knowledge in sustainable fishing practices, proper handling and hygiene, record-keeping, financial management, and even business development. These skills help turn a day’s catch into a thriving enterprise, and ensure that Zimbabwe’s fishers are recognized not just as workers — but as professionals and entrepreneurs.

Importantly, the Kapenta Fishing Co-operative Society Limited is also committed to protecting the future of the fishing industry. By promoting responsible fishing methods and supporting the enforcement of fishing regulations, the co-op helps ensure that kapenta stocks are not depleted and that future generations can also depend on the lake for their livelihoods.

Now is the time to join.

If you are a licensed kapenta fisher — whether you work independently or in a small group — and you believe in fair trade, sustainable practices, and growing together with others, then the co-operative is your home. Membership gives you a seat at the table, a voice in decision-making, and access to everything you need to fish smarter, earn better, and build a future beyond the waterline.

Join the Kapenta Fishing Co-operative Society Limited today — because a better catch begins when we work together.