3rd Aquaculture Network for Africa General Congress Charts Strategic Direction for 2025

AU-IBAR, in collaboration with the Aquaculture Network for Africa (ANAF), convened a high-level meeting to validate strategic priorities and shape the network’s 2025 work plan. The session brought together over 70 ANAF members and AU-IBAR staff who support the ANAF Secretariat, including the Chair of ANAF, Dr. Semoli Belemane.

In his opening remarks, delivered on behalf of the AU-IBAR Director, Mr. Rafik Nouaili emphasized the crucial role of aquaculture in enhancing Africa’s food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. He reiterated AU-IBAR’s commitment to strengthening aquaculture governance, promoting regional collaboration, and supporting ANAF in achieving its strategic objectives. The Director’s message highlighted the need for evidence-based policies, increased investment in the aquaculture value chain, and enhanced technical capacity among AU member states. Additionally, he called for stronger partnerships with the private sector and development partners to unlock the sector’s full potential.

Mr. Nouaili underlined the strategic significance of aquaculture for the continent, stressing that despite Africa's vast aquaculture potential, the sector remains underutilized. He pointed to challenges such as food security, unemployment, and the sustainability of fishery resources. He noted that the 2005 Abuja Summit laid the foundation for strategic investments to strengthen fisheries management, boost aquaculture production, and foster intra-African and international fish trade.

The AU's Decade Action Plan for Aquaculture (2016-2025) and the Pan-African Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture (PFRS) reaffirm these commitments. Mr. Nouaili further emphasized the need for regional integration, cooperation, and the role of ANAF in harmonizing strategies across African states to address these challenges.

The meeting proceeded with an address by the ANAF Chair, who outlined the objectives of the meeting, emphasizing the importance of strengthening regional aquaculture governance, enhancing collaboration among member states, and ensuring sustainable fisheries management. This set the stage for the ANAF Status Report, where the network provided a comprehensive update on its achievements, challenges, and emerging opportunities in the sector.

A key highlight of the session was the Validation of the ANAF Strategic Plan, led by Dr. Nelly. Participants engaged in a thorough review of the proposed framework, ensuring that it aligned with continental priorities and global best practices in sustainable aquaculture development.
The discussions culminated in the Prioritization of Actions and the 2025 Work Plan, during which ANAF members deliberated on critical interventions needed to drive impact in the coming year. The proposed work plan focuses on enhancing policy implementation, capacity building, and strengthening partnerships to accelerate progress in Africa’s aquaculture sector.

Proposed priority actions for 2025 include:
•    Developing working documents for consideration by the 6th STC-AWDWE on permanent ANAF positions and the development and operationalization of management guidelines.
•    ANAF’s participation in WA25, to profile the status and expectations of African aquaculture in alignment with the PFRS and the Aquaculture Action Plan, based on up-to-date data and information collected directly from ANAF focal points through an online survey to be analyzed by the ANAF Secretariat.

By the end of the meeting, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to ANAF’s mission, emphasizing the need for sustained collaboration and resource mobilization to achieve long-term success. The validated strategic plan and prioritized actions will serve as a roadmap for ANAF’s activities in 2025, ensuring that aquaculture continues to play a pivotal role in food security, economic development, and environmental sustainability across the continent. Members also noted the critical need to strengthen ANAF to foster information exchange, encourage research, and enhance aquaculture as a tool for economic and social development across Africa.

Since its establishment, ANAF has evolved into a central platform for Africa's aquaculture development. In 2017, African Union member states recommended transferring the ANAF Secretariat from FAO to AU-IBAR, solidifying the role of AU-IBAR as the continental coordinator for the sustainable use of animal and aquatic resources. In 2023, ANAF was officially recognized as a strategic technical platform for African aquaculture at the AU's 5th Specialized Technical Committee (STC-ARDWE).