As seaweed emerges globally as a key ingredient in biological medicine, Zanzibar is placing a big bet on this crop. The government of this East African island is already investing in commercial seaweed farming, and discussions with the EU are underway to develop its aquaculture sector. With seaweed production becoming an increasingly viable venture, Zanzibar is leveraging this opportunity as part of its strategy to diversify the economy. The island’s emphasis on seaweed cultivation coincides with the rapid growth of the global seaweed industry, driven by discoveries of its medicinal properties.
Zanzibar’s growing seaweed industry
The government is actively promoting seaweed production, ensuring both the farmers and the nation benefit from this growing industry. Creating added value is a central focus in transforming this agricultural sector, which employs nearly 99 % of women in Zanzibar.
During discussions, the President urged the EU to support the island through training programs, modern equipment, and value chain development to advance Zanzibar’s seaweed industry. « With significant investments, especially in adding value to seaweed, Zanzibar will be better positioned to earn more foreign currency », emphasized the President.
EU Ambassador Grau echoed this sentiment, praising Zanzibar’s efforts and committing to expanding cooperation. He noted that through the ongoing « Green City » project between Zanzibar and the EU, the partnership also focuses on gender equality and empowering women in economic activities like fishing and financial management.
Shift towards edible green seaweed
The development of edible green seaweed is accelerating, and with it, the global seaweed market is expanding. « More nutrients are being discovered in seaweed today, and the demand for algal compounds and other biotech products is increasing », explained the ambassador. He added that research and use of edible green seaweed are expected to significantly grow the sector in the future.
Seaweed offers a wealth of bioactive compounds and nutritional benefits. It can produce more biomass than land plants, and it thrives in both freshwater and seawater without the need for antibiotics or pesticides. This eco-friendly profile has driven increased consumer demand and economic interest over the past two decades.
Zanzibar’s role in the growing global seaweed industry
Over the last 20 years, the seaweed industry has seen remarkable growth. Seaweed farming now plays a crucial role in the fishing industry, and more African countries are exploring its potential. According to 2022 data from the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global seaweed production (both farmed and wild) nearly tripled, rising from 118,000 tons to 358,200 tons between 2000 and 2019, with production expanding at an unprecedented rate.
« In 2019, 97% of global aquaculture production came from artificial farming, with Asia accounting for 97.38 % », states the FAO report. China leads the world in aquaculture production, including seaweed, representing 56.82 % of global production. Indonesia follows with 28.6%, making it another major seaweed producer.
South Korea is also a major player in seaweed cultivation, accounting for 5.09 % of global production, particularly in brown, red, and green seaweed varieties. Meanwhile, the Philippines contributes 4.19 % to the global market, largelythrough seaweed aquaculture.
North Korea, producing primarily Japanese kelp (Laminaria japonica), holds 1.6 % of global aquaculture. Japan itself cultivates a variety of seaweeds, including nori (Porphyra tenera), wakame (Undaria pinnatifida), and Japanese kelp, representing 1.15 % of the global market.
Malaysia, with 0.53 % of global aquaculture, focuses on cultivating sea moss (Kappaphycus alvarezii). North America produces 1.36 % of the world’s marine seaweed, 95 % of which comes from natural resources.
Chile leads in artificial seaweed cultivation, producing 0.3 % of global seaweed, primarily Gracilaria and Spirulina maxima, with most of its production coming from natural riverbeds.
Africa, though accounting for only 0.41 % of global seaweed production, is gaining momentum. In 2019, 81 % of seaweed in Africa was farmed, with Zanzibar producing 0.5 % of global aquaculture, primarily cultivating spiny Eucheuma (Eucheuma denticulatum).
According to the FAO, five types of seaweed dominate global production, with Laminaria and Saccharina making up 34.65 %, mainly used in food products like salads, condiments, and sauces.
