Overview & Background

Aquasante Rwanda Ltd (also known as Hauge Aqua Rwanda) was established in 2018 to develop aquaculture opportunities in Rwanda, with a primary focus on commercial tilapia farming in Lake Kivu. The company operates under five farming licenses for Lake Kivu and has its head office in Kamembe, Rusizi District, Western Province. It is supported by Hauge Aqua AS, a Norwegian aquaculture technology firm, and is the official distributor of Skretting fish feed in Rwanda.

Operations & Ambitions

The company’s development plan includes:

Setting up nursery and grow-out sites

Building land-based infrastructure and acquiring work boats

Recruiting staff across farming, sales, and support functions

Training local personnel in aquaculture operations

Running a pilot phase with production of 300–500 tonnes of fish per year

Scaling to a full production target of 2,500–3,000 tonnes annually

They estimate production costs of around USD 2.50–3.40 per kg, with expected sales prices in the USD 3.40–4.50 per kg range. A grant program supports staff training and capacity building. The investment is projected to achieve payback within 3–4 years.

Leadership & Management

The Managing Director is Anton van Schalkwyk, appointed in 2018. He brings local knowledge, cultural familiarity, and business experience to lead the company. Aquasante Rwanda continues to build its team, with roles such as hatchery management and fish health specialists being added as operations expand.

Market Context & Challenges

Demand for fish is strong in Rwanda and neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, providing a clear market opportunity. However, the company’s profitability depends on maintaining efficiency, managing logistics and supply chains, ensuring low mortality rates, and scaling operations sustainably. The ambition to reach 2,500–3,000 tonnes annually will require significant investment and consistent operational success.