AU-IBAR & AUDA-NEPAD Convene the 5th Internal Coordination Meeting of the FishGov2 Project

AU-IBAR and AUDA-NEPAD are convening the 5th Internal Coordination Meeting of the Fisheries Governance Phase Two (FishGov2) Project, bringing together key stakeholders from AU Member States, Regional Economic Communities, Regional Fisheries Bodies, and strategic networks including African Fisheries Experts Network (AFRIFISHNET), African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFISHNET), African Aquaculture Network (ANAF), and the African Small Island Developing States Platform (SIDS) Platform. The meeting aims to review project implementation progress, address emerging challenges, and collectively begin drafting a proposal on charting the course toward sustainable fisheries' governance across the continent.

This coordination meeting provides a platform for deep reflection on the achievements and lessons learned under FishGov1 and FishGov2, while exploring priorities for a potential FishGov3. The proposed third phase would align with the CAADP Committments, Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa (PFRS) and Agenda 2063, building on AU-wide efforts to promote inclusive, science-based, and resilient fisheries and aquaculture food systems.

Key messages from the opening remarks:

Dr. Yoseph Mamo, COMESA Representative, emphasized the importance of regional integration and harmonized policies in achieving sustainable fisheries management.

Dr. Bernice Mclean, AUDA-NEPAD, reaffirmed,
“We remain committed to our strategic partnership with AU-IBAR to ensure policy coherence and effective domestication of AU priorities in fisheries and aquaculture.”
Mr. Gueye, President of AFRIFISHNET, underscored,
“Robust coordination is essential, and so is the involvement of civil society in decision-making. Regional platforms like AFRIFISHNET will continue to champion science-based decisions and coherence.”
Ms. Lovin Kyobusingye, President of AWFISHNET, stressed,
“Women must remain central in FishGov3. Their voices and contributions are vital to resilient, inclusive fisheries and aquaculture systems across Africa.”
Ms. Francisca Gonah, speaking on behalf of Dr. Huyam Salih, Director of AU-IBAR, noted that:
“Stakeholders have acknowledged FishGov2’s impressive achievements, while recognizing emerging issues that call for a new phase. FishGov3 must sustain progress, fill the gaps, and reinforce Africa’s leadership in evidence-based and inclusive fisheries governance.”
Participants are reviewing achievements from FishGov1 and FishGov2, setting priorities for the next five years across institutions and platforms, including inputs from RECs, River Basin Organisations, Non-State Actors, and continental platforms. The meeting will also examine the FishGov exit strategy and align with the AU-IBAR Strategic Plan, providing a foundation for drafting a proposal for FishGov3.

AU-IBAR and AUDA-NEPAD are convening the 5th Internal Coordination Meeting of the Fisheries Governance Phase Two (FishGov2) Project, bringing together key stakeholders from AU Member States, Regional Economic Communities, Regional Fisheries Bodies, and strategic networks including African Fisheries Experts Network (AFRIFISHNET), African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFISHNET), African Aquaculture Network (ANAF), and the African African Small Island Developing States Platform (SIDS) Platform. The meeting aims to review project implementation progress, address emerging challenges, and collectively begin drafting a proposal on charting the course toward sustainable fisheries governance across the continent.

This coordination meeting provides a platform for deep reflection on the achievements and lessons learned under FishGov1 and FishGov2, while exploring priorities for a potential FishGov3. The proposed third phase would align with the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa (PFRS) and Agenda 2063, building on AU-wide efforts to promote inclusive, science-based, and resilient fisheries and aquaculture systems.

Key messages from opening remarks:

Dr. Yoseph Mamo, COMESA Representative, emphasized the importance of regional integration and harmonized policies in achieving sustainable fisheries' management.

Dr. Bernice Mclean, AUDA-NEPAD, reaffirmed,

“We remain committed to our strategic partnership with AU-IBAR to ensure policy coherence and effective domestication of AU priorities in fisheries and aquaculture.”

Mr. Gueye, President of AFRIFISHNET, underscored,

“Robust coordination is essential, and so is the involvement of civil society in decision-making. Regional platforms like AFRIFISHNET will continue to champion science-based decisions and coherence.”

Ms. Lovin Kyobusingye, President of AWFISHNET, stressed,

“Women must remain central in FishGov3. Their voices and contributions are vital to resilient, inclusive fisheries and aquaculture systems across Africa.”

Ms. Francisca Gonah, speaking on behalf of Dr. Huyam Salih, Director of AU-IBAR, noted that:

“Stakeholders have acknowledged FishGov2’s impressive achievements, while recognizing emerging issues that call for a new phase. "FishGov3 must sustain progress, fill the gaps, and reinforce Africa’s leadership in evidence-based and inclusive fisheries' governance.”

Participants are reviewing achievements from FishGov1 and FishGov2, setting priorities for the next five years across institutions and platforms, including inputs from RECs, River Basin Organisations, Non-State Actors, and continental platforms. The meeting will also examine the FishGov exit strategy and align with the AU-IBAR Strategic Plan, providing a foundation for drafting a proposal for FishGov3.

As the meeting concludes, outcomes are expected to shape a forward-looking, inclusive, and well-coordinated continental proposal that ensures Africa’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors contribute meaningfully to economic growth, food security, and environmental sustainability. This will be followed by wider consultation with stakeholders. The outcomes are expected to shape a forward-looking, inclusive, and well-coordinated continental proposal that ensures Africa’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors contribute meaningfully to economic growth, food security, and environmental sustainability. This will be followed by wider consultation with stakeholders.