Reshaping of Global fishery value chain: Zebrafish Capital joins hands with the Mediterranean and Africa to build a sustainable blue economy – A significant step towards strengthening global fisheries and aquaculture value chains has been taken with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Orazio Albano, founder and editor of Blue Life and an expert in fisheries value chains, and Zebrafish Capital, a Singapore-based company. This agreement aims to enhance market connections across three continents, focusing on aquaculture, seafood processing, value chain integration, and innovative technology applications.
Bridging Continents through Fisheries and Aquaculture
Amid shifting global trade dynamics, particularly in light of U.S. tariff barriers and the increasing complexity of European markets, Asian demand for seafood—especially from China—continues to rise. This makes it imperative to foster stronger commercial and technological ties globally. The collaboration between Albano and Zebrafish Capital represents a synergy of expertise, combining Zebrafish Capital’s commercial acumen with Albano’s extensive technical and production knowledge, supported by a well-established network in the Mediterranean and Africa.
Objectives of the MoU
The MoU outlines a collaborative framework to develop the fisheries, aquaculture, machinery production, and seafood value chain industries across Asia, the Mediterranean, and Africa. This partnership will focus on tailored solutions and advanced technological processes to enhance sustainability and efficiency in the sector. Key areas of collaboration include:
• Offshore Aquaculture Equipment: Development and improvement of cages, nets, feed distribution systems, and monitoring tools.
• Seafood Processing and Packaging: Innovations in packaging and by-product valorization.
• Cold Chain Management and Logistics: Integration of solutions to ensure seafood producers meet regional consumption trends.
• Market Development: Study of market demands and trade opportunities across Asia, Europe, and Africa.
• Technical and Financial Support: Facilitation of investments, technical assistance, and access to grants.
• Technology and Expertise Exchange
A key aspect of this collaboration is the exchange of technology and expertise between regions. The Mediterranean and African partners bring rich knowledge in traditional and modern aquaculture practices, while Singapore, known for its high technology and innovation, provides cutting-edge technologies such as IoT-based monitoring, advanced feed systems, and innovative packaging solutions. This cross-pollination of ideas and techniques will not only boost productivity but also drive the adoption of sustainable practices across the value chain.
Moreover, the MoU establishes a structured business ecosystem through promotional campaigns, participation in international trade events, and the development of ZebraBlue, a web platform dedicated to managing and promoting services. This digital hub will streamline communication and business growth, creating structured connections between seafood companies across continents.
Expanding Markets and Strengthening Trade Networks
One of the key aims of the MoU is to facilitate market entry for seafood producers by supporting them in achieving compliance with international regulations, managing export procedures, developing products tailored to specific regional demands, and enhancing branding and marketing strategies. The agreement underscores the need for a strategic reorientation in global seafood trade, given the evolving market conditions and rising Asian demand.
Zebrafish Capital’s Vision and Market Engagement in China
Zebrafish Capital has already embarked on a strong path in the agro-food sector targeting China, with a vision extending towards fisheries, aquaculture, processing, value addition, and product marketing. China’s agricultural sector presents abundant opportunities for growth, driven by the country’s policies to modernize agricultural production through smart agriculture, biotechnology breeding, and sustainable practices. Similarly, Singapore has developed efficient agricultural models despite its land constraints, leveraging global supply chains, advanced management, and technology-driven farming solutions.
Zebrafish Capital plays a pivotal role as an investor, ecosystem builder, and business bridge in advancing agri-food technology and sustainable food industries in China. While the initial focus is on aquaculture, Zebrafish Capital’s vision is to eventually expand into other agricultural sectors, comprehensively driving agricultural modernization.
International Summit on Innovation for Global Food Security and Sustainable Agricultural Development
A key milestone in this endeavor is the upcoming International Summit on Innovation for Global Food Security and Sustainable Agricultural Development, organized by Zebrafish Capital and scheduled for April 2, 2025, in Shanghai. This event will bring together leading institutions such as Shanghai Ocean University, Blue Aqua International, and The Aquaculture Group, along with government representatives and industry experts. They will discuss modern facility agriculture, alternative proteins, aquaculture advancements, capital markets, and food technology incubators.
With increasing interconnectivity in global seafood trade, the collaboration between Albano and Zebrafish Capital marks a pivotal step in forging stronger business networks and technological synergies across Asia, Africa, and the Mediterranean, ensuring a resilient and future-oriented fisheries value chain.
Reshaping of Global fishery value chain: Zebrafish Capital joins hands with the Mediterranean and Africa to build a sustainable blue economy
