Huye, 24 October 2025 — The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), in partnership with VIRBAC under the EU and Grand Duchy of Luxembourg-funded KWIHAZA Project, convened a technical workshop to review Rwanda’s first injectable vaccine initiative for Nile Tilapia. This milestone marks a major step forward in advancing sustainable aquaculture and strengthening proactive aquatic animal health management in the country.

Held at MINAGRI, the workshop brought together key stakeholders, including fish hatchery operators, government officials, and project partners. Discussions focused on promoting a healthy aquatic environment and ecosystem by addressing fish diseases through vaccination. Participants also reviewed results from the 2024 immersion vaccine trials conducted at three hatcheries and explored strategies to improve fish survival rates. The workshop further aligned future actions with the National Aquaculture Biosecurity Implementation Plan.

“This program represents a transformative step in our efforts to strengthen aquaculture biosecurity and ensure the long-term viability of fish farming in Rwanda,” said Mrs. Cécile Uwizeyimana, RAB Aquaculture Department representative, during her opening remarks.

The vaccination trials, conducted under the guidance of international veterinary health experts from VIRBAC, aim to prevent disease outbreaks—particularly Francisella orientalis (Fno)—enhance fish survival rates, and reduce the use of antibiotics in aquaculture. These efforts align with Rwanda’s broader strategy to boost fish production and improve food security, targeting 80,000 metric tons of fish annually by 2035.

The KWIHAZA Project, funded by the European Union (EU) and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, will continue supporting the implementation of the biosecurity initiative and play a pivotal role in promoting private-sector-led aquaculture development. Its ongoing activities include expanding hatchery infrastructure and promoting best practices in fish farming and health management.