African Union Participation at the World Aquaculture Safari 2025: Advancing Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa

The African Union (AU) is proud to announce its strong participation at the World Aquaculture Safari 2025 (WAS25), taking place from June 24 to 27 at the Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, Uganda. As the largest aquaculture gathering ever held on the continent, WA25 will bring together participants from across Africa and around the world, including leading scholars, industry experts, policymakers, and practitioners. This milestone event underscores the AU’s commitment to promoting sustainable fisheries management and aquaculture development as crucial pillars for Africa’s food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

About the World Aquaculture Safari 2025

WAS25 is organized under the theme “Aquaculture on the Rise,” reflecting the sector’s rapid growth, especially in East Africa, now recognized as the continent’s fastest-growing aquaculture region due to advances in tilapia, catfish, seaweed, and other emerging marine species. The event is both a continental and a global showcase, featuring a wide range of presentations, workshops, trade exhibitions, and strategic forums. Major development partners, including the FAO, World Bank, African Development Bank, GIZ, and the African Union, are actively involved, underscoring the event’s international significance.

The African Union’s Strategic Engagement

The AU’s participation at WAS25 is guided by its vision to accelerate reforms and innovation in fisheries and aquaculture, in line with the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy and the AU Agenda 2063. Through flagship initiatives such as the FishGov2 Project, the AU aims to promote evidence-based policy and research for sustainable sector growth, strengthen regional and continental collaboration among member states and stakeholders, and enhance Africa’s presence and influence in global aquaculture dialogues.

The AU will host a series of impactful side events designed to foster knowledge exchange, capacity building, and policy innovation. These include sessions on African Union Centers of Excellence in Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Biodiversity, which will showcase research and capacity-building hubs driving scientific advancement and sustainable practices. The Policy Research Network for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa will facilitate dialogue among policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to inform evidence-based strategies. Regional Aquatic Animal Health Networks for SADC and North Africa will address biosecurity, disease management, and health standards across regions. The African Fisheries Reform Mechanism Working Groups will engage stakeholders in discussions on fish trade, enterprise development, and aquaculture reforms to boost intra-African and international trade.

In the main conference, the AU will play a key role in two critical plenary sessions. The first, “Aquaculture on the Rise: Africa’s Perspective,” will present the continent’s progress, challenges, and future directions in aquaculture. The second, the 11th ANAF Technical Committee Meeting, will bring together the Aquaculture Network for Africa (ANAF) to align strategic priorities and validate actions for 2025, ensuring aquaculture remains central to Africa’s food security and economic agenda.

Why Uganda and Why Now?

Uganda’s selection as host reflects East Africa’s dynamic aquaculture sector, marked by rapid expansion in Tilapia and catfish farming, thriving small and medium enterprises, and new investments in aqua feed production. The country serves as a model for sustainable aquaculture, with the Lake Victoria Basin acting as a focal point for innovation, supported by projects such as the EU-funded TRUEFISH initiative.

Expected Outcomes and AU’s Vision

Through its participation at WAS25, the African Union seeks to accelerate the implementation of continental policies and reforms for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. The AU also aims to strengthen partnerships with governments, development agencies, the private sector, and research institutions. By fostering the exchange of best practices, technologies, and innovations, the AU hopes to drive sector transformation and empower African countries to harness aquaculture for nutrition, poverty alleviation, job creation, and environmental stewardship.

Join the Conversation

WAS25 presents a unique opportunity for all stakeholders—governments, researchers, industry, and civil society—to engage with the AU’s vision for a thriving and sustainable aquaculture sector. The African Union invites all participants to join its side events, plenary sessions, and collaborative forums as we work together to unlock Africa’s vast aquatic potential for present and future generations.