ECOWAS-Trained Youths Launch Commercial Fish Farming Partnership in Anambra

Youths trained under the Economic Community of West African States Youth Employability and Entrepreneurship initiative have signed a fish production agreement to expand aquaculture and create jobs in Anambra State.

The agreement was signed in Awka between Elite Cooperative Society Limited and TeeMartins ICT Limited. The deal will introduce the TAENPROWIZ Fish Production Business System, a commercial aquaculture model aimed at increasing fish production on a larger scale.

The partnership was facilitated by Fisheries and Aquaculture Business Development Agency. Members of the cooperative are beneficiaries of the ECOWAS youth training programme on table fish production conducted in 2023 and 2024.

Under the arrangement, the cooperative is expected to move from small-scale fish farming to a structured commercial system using precision-based aquaculture technology. Officials say the programme is intended to improve food security, strengthen fish supply and provide employment opportunities for young people in Anambra.

Programme coordinator Emeka Iloghalu said the cooperative secured the franchise after completing the training and demonstrating readiness for business operations. He added that six fish production cooperatives were created through the programme, with Elite Cooperative Society becoming the first to sign the franchise agreement.

President of the cooperative Chukwuma Onyekwe said members believe the new production system will help them expand into commercial fish farming. Managing Director of TeeMartins ICT Limited, Cosmas Ezenwanne, said the technology is expected to improve efficiency and productivity, with plans for more cooperatives to adopt the system.