Lattice Consulting Targets Massive Job Growth in Africa’s Fish and Feed Industries

A transformative initiative designed to bolster Africa’s blue economy and empower women and youths across the continent has been activated  by Lattice Management Consulting in collaboration with the MasterCard Foundation and TradeMark Africa. The ambitious program seeks to generate 250,000 jobs for young women in six African countries through strategic interventions in the fish and feed sectors.

Speaking during a high-level development Agriculture summit at KICC Nairobi,Joe Mai, a representative from Lattice, emphasized that the program embodies a long-term vision to promote sustainable livelihoods through technical capacity building and value chain development.

“Lattice is a management consulting and project management firm that works with the development sector to manage projects designed to drive meaningful change,” explained Mai. “Through this initiative, we are empowering women by equipping them with technical training to become skilled fish producers, processors, and traders. This approach will enhance productivity, competitiveness, and ultimately, household incomes.”

“We are improving access to essential inputs such as fish feed, fingerlings, equipment, and financial services,” he noted. “By strengthening these foundations, we are ensuring that women entrepreneurs can thrive within the aquaculture ecosystem.”

Beyond individual empowerment, the initiative aims to boost intra-African trade in fish, thereby reducing the continent’s reliance on imports. Africa continues to source a significant proportion of its fish from overseas markets, particularly Asia, despite vast untapped resources within its borders.

Now entering its second year, the program is set to run for five years. Though still in its formative stages, it holds immense promise for catalyzing inclusive economic growth, fostering sustainable aquaculture, and advancing regional integration.