2nd Meeting of the African Union Network of Centres of Excellence in Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Biodiversity (AUN-CEFAAB)

The 2nd meeting of the African Union Network of Centres of Excellence in Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Biodiversity (AUN-CEFAAB) is taking place on the 2nd and 3rd of December 2024 at the African Union Commission (AUC) headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This important event brings together representatives from AU member states, academia, research institutions, and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, share knowledge, and develop a roadmap for the network's future activities.

Dr. Bernice McClean, during the opening meeting, emphasized the ongoing implementation of the FishGov2 project and its broader impact on the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. She acknowledged the wealth of knowledge and experience present in the room, noting that eight centres were endorsed in 2019 in alignment with the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy (PFRS) and the implementation of the African Fisheries and Aquaculture Management (AFRM) structure. Dr. McClean highlighted the value of the knowledge products produced by these institutions, underscoring the importance of promoting Africa’s voice both from and to the continent. She stressed the need for sustainable efforts to ensure the long-term viability of this essential work.

H.E. Mathias Reusing, representing the EU Delegation to the African Union, reaffirmed the EU’s unwavering commitment to fostering wealth creation and environmental stewardship for future generations. He acknowledged the continent’s diverse biodiversity but emphasized the critical need for sustainable management and use of these resources. H.E. Reusing noted the role of cutting-edge research, capacity building, and policy development in advancing these goals. He also pointed to challenges highlighted at the recent COP discussions, including the alarming rise of plastic pollution, with fishermen reporting the capture of more plastic than fish. Tackling illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing was another priority, with H.E. Reusing stressing that eliminating IUU is essential to effective fisheries management. He cited the European Union’s Common Fisheries Policy as a model, underscoring the importance of safeguarding and transforming fisheries for sustainable growth.

Prof. Osama Kaddour, representing Suez University, the current Chair of the African Union Network of Centres of Excellence, spoke about the role of the university in advancing the network’s objectives. He highlighted the robust infrastructure in place at the university and emphasized the need for the next generation to focus on addressing pollution and the blue economy. Prof. Kaddour called for greater information sharing among the centres to foster collaboration and enhance their collective impact.

Dr. Bahiigwa, Director of the AUC’s Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (AUC-DARBE), expressed appreciation for the EU’s support in the process of onboarding new centres. He acknowledged that the eight African institutions endorsed in 2019 have played a vital role in advancing the network’s objectives. Dr. Bahiigwa emphasized that closer collaboration and coordination among the centres are key to maximizing their impact. This collaboration was formally launched in 2023, with Suez University taking the lead as Chair. He highlighted the technical support provided by the FishGov2 project, which has contributed significantly to the implementation of the PFRM and the Africa Blue Economy Strategy. Dr. Bahiigwa also noted the recent endorsement of six additional institutions as centres for aquatic biodiversity and the need to integrate them into the network.

Mr. Delvis Fortes, Senior Fisheries Officer at AU-IBAR, presented the background and objectives of the meeting. Ms. Hellen Guebama, Fisheries Officer at AU-IBAR, provides updates on the implementation of recommendations from the inaugural meeting held in Cairo, Egypt. Dr. Mohamed Seisay, AU-IBAR Fisheries Management and Blue Economy Expert, will discuss the anticipated functions of the COEs, outlining roles and responsibilities defined in draft Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).

The Technical Session began with presentations that focused on governance instruments, a SWOT analysis questionnaire, and a proposed operationalization plan for the COEs. Working groups will review and refine these instruments, followed by presentations and adoption of the finalized documents. 
The second day will include Information Sharing among the AU-COEs. Representatives from institutions such as Suez University, the University of Ibadan, and Rhodes University, among others, will present their curricula, research activities, and capacity development initiatives for the 2025 academic year.
The meeting will proceed to the Election of the Five-Member Bureau for AUN-CEFAAB, where participants will elect a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, General Secretary, Treasurer, and a Vice-Secretary responsible for the work program and action plan.

Later sessions will include an overview of the COEs’ microsite and knowledge sharing platform by Ms. Patricia Lumba, Senior Knowledge Management Officer at AU-IBAR, and updates on equipment procurement by Ms. Irene Ohaga. Mr. Delvis Fortes discusses No-Cost Extension Activities for the FishGov2 Project.
The meeting strengthens networking and collaboration among the COEs, harmonizes capacity development across AU member states, and facilitates information sharing on ongoing programs. Participants review and finalize governance instruments, discuss mechanisms for joint activities and research, and explore opportunities for twinning and study exchange programs.

By the end of the meeting, the network will adopt a new Bureau and action plans, setting the stage for enhanced cooperation and sustainable development in Africa’s fisheries, aquaculture, and aquatic biodiversity sectors on the continent through training and research. To date, the CoE together with AU-IBAR have conducted 21 studies; 5 trainings on fisheries and aquaculture.