LILONGWE, Apr 29 (THE AFRICAN PORTAL) – Nkhata Bay District Council principal fisheries officer Derlings Kamenya has advised beach village committees in the district to claim their share of revenue generated from fishing licence fees paid to the council for the just-ended 2025/26 financial year.
Speaking on Saturday during an Agriculture Service Committee meeting held in the council chamber, he said at the end of every financial year, the department calculates the total revenue collected by the council and allocates 30 percent back to communities to support fishing-related activities of their choice.
He said: “Every year, as a department, we contribute to revenue collection through licensing of fishing gear. Previously, this was at K50 000, of which K40 000 goes to Account Number One and 30 percent of the amount that remains with the council is given back to the communities.
“For the just-ended 2025/26 financial year, the calculations have been completed. For instance, Senior Chief Mankhambira is entitled to K423 000 where 141 fishers paid for licenses.”
Kamenya said K38 million was collected in the district during the 2025/26 financial year, an increase from K20 million realised in the 2024/25 financial year.
Traditional Authority Malenganzoma said chiefs will engage beach village committees to ensure proper utilisation of the funds. He urged continued sensitisation to encourage more fishers to register their boats.
“With the current adjustments in the fisheries gear licence to K80 000 annually, it means communities will now be collecting more revenue that can support meaningful fishing-related activities,” he said.
