African aquaculture, although still minor compared to the rest of the world, proven to have a significant potential for expansion and development. African geographies where aquaculture has developed and is developing consist of complex value chains, where majority of actors are small and marginalised. One of the significant characteristics of the smallholder-based aquaculture in Sub-Saharan Africa is the low productivity. Drawing investments into marginalised value chains for improving productivity and efficiency has great promise – in fact, the greatest promise – for better livelihoods, healthy and nutritious foods, women’s empowerment, and climate resilience at large scale. This is not an easy task given much traditional thinking that smallholders are “difficult” or “too fragmented” or “remote.” If we perceive smallholders as a market severely constrained in resource access, we must redefine them as a colossal untapped potential. Both public and private investors should diligently explore this vast potential, adopting a proactive yet patient stance. There is much insight, data, technologies, and business solutions that can effectively mitigate risks for businesses with a vision to empower smallholders and marginalised communities. Collaborative private-public partnerships can bring transformative change, placing a strong emphasis on uplifting smallholders. Neglecting them could lead to a highly unequal food system, causing missed opportunities in the blue foods sector.