The 8th General Assembly of the African Platform for Regional Institutions in Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Systems (APRIFAAS)

THEME: “The AfCFTA and RECs instruments to facilitate Inter and Intra-regional trade in aquatic
products: Opportunity for enhancing regional cooperation and coordination”

Entebbe, Uganda — 11–13 November 2025

The African Platform for Regional Institutions in Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Systems (APRIFAAS) will convene its 8th General Assembly under the theme “The AfCFTA and RECs Instruments to Facilitate Inter and Intra-regional Trade in Aquatic Products: Opportunity for Enhancing Regional Cooperation and Coordination.”

The three-day meeting, hosted by the Government of Uganda in collaboration with AU-IBAR, will bring together representatives from Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Regional Fisheries Bodies (RFBs), Member States, and development partners. It aims to deepen dialogue and harmonise actions that promote sustainable trade, investment, and value addition in Africa’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

Key sessions will focus on:

• The role of AfCFTA in facilitating intra-African trade in fish and aquatic products;
• Strengthening information exchange and coordination among regional institutions;
• Showcasing best practices from RECs and RFBs; and
• Advancing strategic planning and resource mobilisation for APRIFAAS.

The meeting will also feature the presentation of the draft APRIFAAS Strategic Action Plan and Resource Mobilisation Strategy (2025–2026), as well as a field visit highlighting Uganda’s experience in value addition and aquaculture innovation.

Through this assembly, APRIFAAS continues to reinforce its commitment to building a cohesive continental platform that drives collaboration, strengthens governance, and enhances Africa’s participation in sustainable aquatic trade.

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