Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing food production sectors worldwide, and Africa is no exception. From tilapia to trout and salmon, fish farming has become a critical contributor to food security and economic development across the continent. Yet, one factor underpins the success of every farm, regardless of scale: oxygen.

Oxygen equipment supplier O2Africa explains that fish, like people, need a steady supply of oxygen to survive and thrive. In aquaculture, dissolved oxygen (DO) levels directly affect fish growth rates, feed conversion efficiency and overall survival. When oxygen levels dip, the results are slower growth, increased susceptibility to disease and, in worst cases, mass die-offs.

Traditionally, many African farms have relied on oxygen cylinders delivered by third-party suppliers. While this approach can meet short-term needs, it comes with well-known challenges, such as unpredictable supply and delivery delays, high recurring costs linked to rental and logistics, and limited capacity to scale as farms expand.

For modern aquaculture operators, these risks are no longer sustainable. That is where on-site oxygen generation — using Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) technology — is changing the game.

On-site oxygen generation provides fish farms with a reliable, continuous, and cost-effective oxygen supply. A PSA system works by filtering oxygen from ambient air, producing oxygen of 90% to 95% purity, directly where it is needed. This eliminates the dependence on external deliveries and gives farmers full control over their oxygen use.

The benefits are tangible:

• Steady DO levels ensure optimal fish health and growth
• Reduced operating expenditure by cutting out rental and delivery fees
• Scalability as production expands, with modular system upgrades
• Improved biosecurity by stabilising oxygen in tanks and reducing stress-related disease outbreaks.

Case Example: Aquaculture in Botswana

O2Africa has been actively involved in supporting an aquaculture farm in Botswana, maintaining their on-site PSA oxygen system for the past two years.

This farm, a pioneer in fish production in the region, faced the classic challenges of oxygen cylinder reliance: unpredictable deliveries, escalating costs, and limited supply during high-demand periods. Since moving to on-site oxygen generation and with O2Africa providing technical expertise and ongoing maintenance the farm has seen:

• Consistent oxygen availability, even during peak stocking periods
• Improved fish survival rates and growth performance
• Lower operating costs, helping the farm remain competitive
• Enhanced sustainability, reducing the carbon footprint linked to cylinder transport

This case highlights how on-site oxygen is not just about cost savings, but about securing the resilience and growth of Africa’s aquaculture industry.

Aquaculture is central to Africa’s blue economy vision, offering jobs, nutrition and economic growth. But to meet this potential, farms need more than ponds and feed - they need reliable oxygen supply.

By investing in PSA technology, African aquaculture operators can future-proof their operations, reduce reliance on third-party suppliers, and create healthier, more sustainable fish farming environments.

At O2Africa, we believe oxygen is more than just a gas – it is the lifeblood of aquaculture.