We grew from a start-up to a regional leader in 5 years, and are the largest vertically integrated freshwater aquaculture business in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Our value chain converts locally sourced grain into locally consumed white protein for urban households. Our portfolio companies, located in Zambia and Uganda, specialize in aquafeed production, and tilapia production, distribution, and retail.
Our Mission
To be the lowest cost producer of protein globally, Africa’s largest producer of protein and a leader in food sustainability
Our Vision
FirstWave operates multiple aquaculture hubs across Africa, every one of which leads its market in affordability and profitability, and is a beacon of operational, environmental and social best practices.
2015
Our flagship company, Yalelo Zambia, opens first retail shop
2017
Aller Aqua Zambia is officially opened and starts producing feed.
2018
Yalelo Uganda construction commences
2020
Yalelo Uganda launches full operations including production, distribution, and retail of fresh fish in urban Uganda
Aquafeed
In partnership with Aller-Aqua Group A/S we own and operate Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest and most modern aquafeed factory. We produce a vegetable-based diet, with no-GMO and no antibiotics. Over 90% of our inputs are locally sourced, providing further job creation and supporting local industry. Aller Aqua Zambia serves most major aquaculture firms in Southern & Eastern Africa, with local distributors in Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Angola and Botswana.
Aquaculture and processing
FirstWave sustainably produces tilapia fish in the pristine open waters of Lake Kariba and Lake Victoria. Our fish are a low-fat nutrient-rich source of protein, vitamins & micronutrients, a great source of food-security for the growing populations of Southern & Eastern Africa.
A robust environmental management system promotes a positive relationship with our environment and in particular the lakes on which we operate. Our subsidiaries produces both fresh ‘whole round’ and ‘gutted & scaled’ fish for the broader market, alongside processed and retail-packaged products to serve the modern trade sector.
Fish distribution and retail
We distribute over 35 million fish per year through over 50 of our own fishmonger retail stores, traditional markets and most major supermarkets. Our in-house cold-chain distribution network ensures that at least 150 points of presence are stocked with fresh fish every week.
FirstWave’s vertical integration and production efficiencies mean that we can supply fish a price point never before possible in urban Africa. A growing export footprint is now serving an increasing number of neighbouring countries.
Partner with us to develop a continent-wide aquaculture champion!
We are the undisputed market leader in African aquaculture, and the only producer in sub-Saharan Africa with full value chain control. Our production model and proven experience in large markets demonstrate our ability to scale and capture demand.