New lead named for Aqua-Spark Africa

Aqua-Spark has named experienced investment specialist Ben Gimson as its new lead for Aqua-Spark Africa, handling its investment portfolio for African aquaculture.

In a LinkedIn post announcing the appointment, the Netherlands-headquartered investment firm said Gimson brings over 18 years’ experience to the role, having worked in consulting, investment and market development, including the past 13 years living and working in East Africa.

Gimson previously worked as Aquaculture Director and most recently Investment Director at Gatsby Africa, a private foundation that works to promote economic growth and reduce poverty in East Africa focusing on key sectors like agriculture, forestry, textiles, livestock, and water.

In his work as Gatsby Africa’s Aquaculture Director, Aqua-Spark said Gimson "led Gatsby’s work to support the rapid growth of East African aquaculture, including investing in several of the firms pioneering the sector’s growth."

“With our partner, Gatsby, Ben played a real role in the development of Aqua-Spark Africa. In addition, he’s advised a broad range of multinationals on their investments in frontier markets across Africa,” the company added. "We are thrilled that Ben has joined the team and is going to bring his knowledge and experience to the launch of Aqua-Spark Africa."

Aqua-Spark, which describes itself as "the world’s largest investment fund dedicated to sustainable aquaculture" announced it had secured its first contributor for Aqua-Spark Africa, German government development bank KfW, at the end of 2023.

African companies which are currently part of the Aqua-Spark investment portfolio include tilapia producers Chicoa Fish Farm (Mozambique) and Lake Harvest (Zimbabwe), sea cucumber farmer Indian Ocean Trepang (Madagascar), and aquaculture platform Aqua-Rech (Kenya).