AU-IBAR at the Second Africa Climate Summit: Advancing Climate Resilience Through Fisheries, Aquaculture, and the Blue Economy
The Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on September 8-10, 2025, with the theme "Green Talks and Green Actions: Accelerating Global Climate Solutions and Financing for Africa's Resilient and Green Development." The event brought together policymakers, practitioners, corporations, and civil society to strengthen Africa's voice in global climate negotiations, highlight African-led solutions, and catalyse funding for resilience and green growth.
AU-IBAR, represented by Dr Mohamed Seisay (Fisheries Management and Blue Economy Expert) and Mr Simon Owani Olok (Senior Policy Officer, Fisheries and Aquaculture), actively participated in numerous significant side events. AU-IBAR's participation demonstrated its commitment to integrating animal resources, fisheries, aquaculture, and biodiversity management into global climate and sustainability frameworks.
AU-IBAR’s Strategic Alignment to the Global Agenda
AU-IBAR’s 2024–2028 Strategic Plan emphasises the transformation of Africa’s animal resources sector to drive food and nutrition security, economic growth, and biodiversity conservation. This vision is firmly aligned with:
• Agenda 2063 (“The Africa We Want”) - particularly Aspiration 1 on inclusive growth and sustainable development.
• The Kampala Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035) - commitments on resilient agrifood systems, inclusivity, and sustainable production.
• Global frameworks such as GF-TADs and the UNFCCC processes on climate action.
Through its programmes—such as Fisheries Governance Phase 2 (FishGov2), the Sida-funded Aquatic Biodiversity Project, and the Norway Blue Economy Programme—AU-IBAR contributes evidence-based, African-led solutions to strengthen resilience in food systems, protect biodiversity, and ensure sustainable blue growth.
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AU-IBAR’s Participation at ACS2
1. IGAD Side Event on “Blue Governance and Climate Resilience in the Horn of Africa”
AU-IBAR was invited as a panellist alongside senior representatives from the African Union Commission (AUC), AUDA-NEPAD, and SIDA. Dr Seisay presented AU-IBAR’s strategies for:
• Enhancing aquatic biodiversity conservation and combating IUU fishing.
• Supporting transboundary ecosystem governance through marine spatial planning and protected areas.
• Promoting gender-inclusive, climate-resilient communities in aquatic resource management.
This engagement not only highlighted AU-IBAR’s leadership in blue economy governance but also created synergies with IGAD and development partners.
2. Women’s Leadership and Climate Resilience
AU-IBAR shared its experiences in supporting gender-sensitive national strategies and harmonised policies for fisheries, aquaculture, and biodiversity conservation. Dr Seisay emphasised the importance of inclusive frameworks that empower women and youth in climate adaptation and decision-making processes.
3. Nature-Positive Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation
Drawing on its Aquatic Biodiversity Project, AU-IBAR showcased examples of applying nature-based solutions in aquatic ecosystems, such as:
• Blue carbon sequestration in Gazi Bay, Kenya,
• Ecosystem restoration in Keta, Ghana, and
• Seaweed farming in Zanzibar.
These interventions demonstrate AU-IBAR’s contribution to global best practices on ecosystem restoration and climate mitigation.
4. Aquatic Food Systems and Sustainable Aquaculture
AU-IBAR delivered a keynote address on continental perspectives, presenting key instruments such as the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy (PFRS) for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa and the Africa Blue Economy Strategy.
The address underscored AU-IBAR’s role in promoting:
• Market-led aquaculture investment,
• Regional policy harmonisation,
• Biosecurity and fish disease control, and
• Support to women’s networks such as AwFishNet to enhance intra-African trade.
Significance of AU-IBAR’s Engagement
AU-IBAR’s presence at ACS2 highlighted its role as a continental leader in climate-smart fisheries, aquaculture, and biodiversity management. Its contributions reinforced Africa’s position in the global climate agenda by:
• Showcasing evidence-based, scalable solutions,
• Creating strategic partnerships with donors, RECs, and international organisations,
• Promoting inclusivity and gender-responsive approaches, and
• Anchoring Africa’s blue economy within global sustainability and climate resilience frameworks.
Conclusion
At the Second Africa Climate Summit, the continent's leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the continent's dual role as a hotspot for climate change adaptation and mitigation. The involvement of AU-IBAR guaranteed that the topics of biodiversity, fisheries, aquaculture, and animal resources would take centre stage at these meetings. By coordinating its initiatives with global climate frameworks, the Kampala Strategy, and Agenda 2063, AU-IBAR has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening blue economy initiatives, creating climate-resilient communities, and safeguarding Africa's future from the impacts of climate change.