Aquaculture is the fastest growing food production sector in the world today, supplying half of global fish consumption. Production from capture fisheries has stagnated and is unable to meet the anticipated growth in demand. Current indications are that Asian and African aquaculture will need to grow substantially to meet future demand for fish and must do so largely by increasing production per unit of land and water used. In response, WorldFish and partners are placing increasing emphasis on developing technologies that can support national and regional efforts to meet this need. This brief highlights the research and development of GIFT (Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia) programs undertaken at the WorldFish Center.