Adelia Nicole Tique Massangaie is innovatively combating hunger and unemployment through Indico Fish Farm, an aquaculture business in Mozambique that produces and processes Nile Tilapia using sustainable and modern farming techniques.
In Mozambique, fish scarcity becomes acute at the end of the fishing season, when government-imposed bans on species like shrimp and crab take effect. Overfishing, climate change, and shifting ocean patterns exacerbate the situation, causing prices to rise and fresh fish to disappear from markets, particularly in low-income areas. In 2024, national fish production fell short of its target despite a slight increase, revealing the country’s growing reliance on alternatives.
This is the gap Adelia Tique Massangaie is closing by making high-quality, affordable fish available year-round through sustainable aquaculture. Her goals are to make fish available even during closed fishing seasons, reduce food prices for low-income communities, and create jobs, especially for young women balancing work and family.
Fixing the fish scarcity issues
Adelia Tique Massangaie holds a degree in Marine Biology from Eduardo Mondlane University. Before launching her business, she wore multiple hats, working as a Research Assistant at the Natural History Museum and as a Zootechnician in animal production. She also gained experience managing fish buying and selling operations, giving her a full view of the aquaculture value chain.
When the entrepreneur saw the growing fish scarcity in Mozambique, worsened by overfishing, climate change, and government bans during closed seasons, she knew exactly where the system was failing and saw where she could improve it.
Fish farming in Mozambique.
In 2023, her business plan for Indico Fish Farm won top honours in the Agora Emprega Program in Maputo Province, validating her vision of sustainable and inclusive aquaculture.
Her company, Indico Fish Farm, is a Mozambique-based aquaculture firm specialising in the sustainable production and processing of Nile Tilapia, a widely cultured fish known for its rapid growth and adaptability.
At the Fish Farm, the businesswoman combines traditional fish farming methods with modern technologies to maximise tilapia growth, protect water quality, and minimise environmental damage. She also targets Mozambican homes and international buyers to meet the rising demand for fish without compromising sustainability.
The Mozambican entrepreneur consciously tries to hire women, particularly those with domestic responsibilities. She involves them in flexible roles such as pond management, harvesting, processing, and marketing. These positions are designed to enable women to earn an income while still fulfilling their caregiving duties.
Beyond employment, Indico Fish Farm contributes to food security and social inclusion by supporting the country’s national push for sustainable aquaculture to reduce hunger and poverty.
Leading with purpose
Adelia Tique Massangaie’s leadership goes beyond business. Through her activism with PROAMBIENTE Mozambique, she advocates for environmental restoration, sustainability education, and enhanced community awareness of climate resilience. The aquaculturist continues to scale Indico Fish Farm to meet the rising demand while maintaining her triple focus of sustainability, social inclusion, and food affordability.
