August 3, 2015

As part of its expansion strategy, German agribusiness and food group, Amatheon Agri Zambia, is investing US$20 million into the construction of two dams to ensure a water supply for the irrigation of its crops, and for the stocking of fish.

The first dam site, called ‘Katonga’, is a 2,700-hectare, US$10 million joint venture between Amatheon Agri and Toyota Tsusho being developed for the production of maize, wheat, and soybeans. The dam, being constructed to ensure a reliable source of water for irrigation is scheduled to be fully operational by 2017.

The second US$10 million ‘Abba’ dam site, which is scheduled to be completed during 2016, is part of an expansion project in conjunction with the development of a 10,000 hectare block of irrigation farming operations that will complement rain-fed cropping and cattle ranching operations.

“We are happy to further extend our infrastructure whereby we expect to increase our productivity and contribute to Zambia’s agricultural development and food security,” says Carl Heinnrich Bruhn, founder and chief executive officer of Amatheon Agri Holding N.V. “Our company chose to invest in Zambia due to its strong agricultural potential, the growing population, robust economy and stable Government.”

Despite that fact that the country has an area of 20 million hectares covered in water, Zambia currently imports approximately 45,000 tons of fish per year. The two dam sites will not only be used for the irrigation of crops, but for the stocking of fish for increased food security.

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