KZO Sea Farms Africa (KSFA) was formed to develop a Seaplant and Shellfish Mariculture Industry in ocean waters offshore African coastal nations for mitigating local and global food shortages and malnutrition, exporting sustainable seafood products, and as a decarbonization strategy for combating climate change. KSFA is planning a pilot project in the Republic of Gabon that would de-risk the development of a commercial seaplant and shellfish industry and serve as the showcase for scaling to other 37 African coastal nations.
The continent of Africa and its offshore islands have considerable potential for seaplant production to contribute to world demand. Compared with China and the rest of Asia, Africa lags in seaweed production and utilization. For red eucheumatoid seaplants, Eucheuma and Kappaphycus, Africa produces about 120,000 Fresh Weight Tons (FWT) annually. The farming of seaplants in East Africa is concentrated in Zanzibar (Tanzania) producing 102,960 FWT, followed by Madagascar with 53,370 FWT and Kenya at approximately 1,000 FWT. Seaplant mariculture production in East Africa, led predominantly for women, has improved the livelihoods of its coastal people.
Offshore seaplant and shellfish mariculture is showing higher growth rates as compared with inshore farms due to lower stress from unpolluted and cooler deeper water, and the abundance of phytoplankton and nutrients. Seaplants have 92 of the 102 essential minerals required for strengthening human immune systems for healthy living. They are anti-inflammatory, improve thyroid functions and have 28 times more iron than liver. Mussels are one of the planet's most perfect food. They are extremely high in protein, calcium and iron, an excellent source of selenium and Vitamin B12, and a super source of zinc and folic acid, while low in fat and calories. Mussels also contain high amounts of omega-3s, the naturally occurring fatty acid that lowers blood pressure.
Africa has 18,950 miles of coastline and the 38 coastal nations have massive Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) that are ideal for Offshore Mariculture to help feed their growing populations. About 300 million people in Africa currently suffer from hunger and the UN has warned that the conflict in Ukraine could make an additional 47 million people food insecure in 2022. This would require about 7 million acres of offshore seaplant and mussel production which is a small percentage of the continent’s offshore ocean space. For example, Gabon with a projected population of 2.37 million by 2025 would require about 48,000 acres of offshore mariculture production of seaplants and mussels to feed the entire country. This would be less than 0.1% of Gabon's total EZZ aside the 26% dedicated for Marine Protected Areas.