Lesotho salmonid large-scale aquaculture project

From 2010 to 2016, Advance Africa was responsible for the planning, development, implementation and operation of Highlands Trout, a 2 000 tonne per annum fully integrated rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) farming operation at Katse Dam, Lesotho.

This development project included the preparation of a bankable feasibility study and business plan for large-scale trout farming in the Lesotho Highlands, including a full value chain assessment, between 2006 to 2008. In 2009, funding for the development was secured, and for the period 2010 to 2016, Advance Africa were the Project Managers for the physical development of the business, including full value chain development and positioning Lesotho’s trout industry in Japan and South Africa.

During the development phase, Advance Africa was responsible for:

• overall project management;
• management of the environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA);
• biological, environmental and market research;
• drafting of and finalisation of the development plan including infrastructure and support service requirements for the comprehensive value chain;
• development of all infrastructure components including hatchery, nursery, grow-out, processing, cold storage and logistics requirements;
• introduction of strategic investment partners throughout the value chain;
• finalisation of capital and operational budgets for all components of the business development;
• training of over 100 employees in various positions, together with a detailed skills transfer programme from Norwegian and Chilean experts;
• providing inputs into the application of the regulatory framework and ongoing associated aquaculture management practices; and
• development of international markets including positioning of the “Highlands of Lesotho Brand”.

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