Aquaculture market guide

Aquaculture in Egypt: suppliers, costs and project planning

FishMatch Group helps commercial buyers in Egypt source aquaculture equipment and complete farm projects through a private, human-reviewed RFQ process. Key species are tilapia, carp, shrimp, seabass; typical water temperatures are 16–30 °C and industrial electricity costs about USD 0.04 per kWh.

Egypt is Africa's largest aquaculture producer, dominated by tilapia ponds in the Nile Delta; national mega-projects are adding intensive marine and shrimp capacity.

Key planning facts

Main species
tilapia, carp, shrimp, seabass
Common systems
Ponds, RAS (recirculating), Cages
Water temperature
16–30 °C
Industrial electricity
USD 0.04 / kWh
Water cost
≈ USD 0.40 / m³
Compound feed
≈ EGP 49 (≈ $1) / kg
VAT / GST on equipment
14%
Currency
EGP (≈ 49 / USD)
Licensing authority
General Authority for Fish Resources Development (GAFRD)
Main import ports
Alexandria, Damietta and Port Said
See vetted supplier categories for Egypt

What to check before requesting quotes in Egypt

  1. Confirm your water source and year-round temperature (16–30 °C) for tilapia.
  2. Budget energy carefully: at about USD 0.04/kWh, pumping and aeration are a major operating cost.
  3. Start permits and environmental licensing early with General Authority for Fish Resources Development (GAFRD).
  4. Plan equipment logistics and lead times through Alexandria, Damietta and Port Said.
  5. Check water rights or tariffs: municipal water costs about USD 0.40 per m³, so RAS make-up water and pond filling need a secured source.
  6. Budget taxes: standard VAT/GST is 14% on equipment; ask about import duty exemptions for aquaculture.

Electricity: GlobalPetrolPrices business tariffs (2026). Water tariffs and exchange rates are estimates; VAT is the standard national rate.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a fish farm cost in Egypt?

An indicative 250-tonne-per-year RAS in Egypt costs roughly EGP 82.7M (≈ $1.7M) – EGP 128.6M (≈ $2.6M) in equipment and installation, before land and buildings. Ponds and cages usually cost less per tonne. Use the calculator for your species and scale, then request supplier quotes.

Which fish and shrimp are farmed in Egypt?

Commercial projects in Egypt mainly focus on tilapia, carp, shrimp, seabass.

Who licenses aquaculture in Egypt?

Licensing and environmental approval usually involve General Authority for Fish Resources Development (GAFRD). Requirements change, so confirm with the authority before committing capital.

Does FishMatch Group sell equipment?

No. FishMatch Group is an independent, human-reviewed sourcing service. We qualify your project, match it with vetted suppliers and keep supplier details private until an introduction is approved.

More Egypt questions: see the market FAQ

This page in other languages

Other aquaculture markets

Start a reviewed RFQ