AWFISHNET Prepares New Bureau with Training on Governance and Accountability

Nairobi, Kenya – August 21, 2025
The African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFISHNET) is strengthening its role as a continental force for women’s empowerment in fisheries and aquaculture by holding a Leadership and Organisational Capacity Training and Handover Workshop for its Executive Bureau from 19–21 August 2025 at the AU-IBAR offices in Nairobi. This milestone is a continuation of AWFISHNET’s impact in equipping women leaders with the skills, tools, and vision needed to drive inclusive growth across Africa’s fisheries sector.

Since its establishment in 2017, AWFISHNET is becoming a vital continental platform that is advocating for gender equality, sustainable livelihoods, and women’s active participation in fisheries governance. The ongoing training and handover are ensuring that the network’s work is not interrupted but is instead being amplified through:
•    Strengthening accountability and continuity by reviewing governance, legal, and financial documents alongside a comprehensive status report on projects.
•    Building leadership capacity in financial management, governance, procurement, and legal compliance to enable the incoming Bureau to manage effectively and transparently.
•    Aligning future priorities through collective discussion of the AWFISHNET 2025–2026 Action Plan, which is guiding the next phase of action across 44 national chapters.

Outgoing President Madam Beyene Christiane Ateba and Secretary Ms. Editrudith Lukanga are mentoring their successors, sharing lessons learned and building bridges for continuity. The new Bureau, under the leadership of Ms. Lovin Kobusingye of Uganda, is assuming responsibility with renewed capacity to advance AWFISHNET’s mission of championing women’s visibility and voice in fisheries and aquaculture.

Building Capacity Through Training
The three-day agenda is blending practical training with structured transition. The outgoing Bureau is handing over 24 key documents, including the Constitution, Strategic Plan (2021–2026), financial statements, and project updates. AU-IBAR experts are leading capacity-building sessions on financial management, governance, accountability, and procurement. The final day focuses on legal compliance and leadership obligations, culminating in a review of the 2025–2026 Action Plan and a closing ceremony with certificate distribution.

Voices of Leadership
In her opening remarks, the Director of AU-IBAR, Dr Huyam Salih, highlighted AWFISHNET’s strategic importance:
“Since its creation in 2017, AWFISHNET has become a continental platform giving voice and visibility to African women fish processors and traders. This training is coming at a strategic moment—ensuring continuity, building leadership capacity, and aligning AWFISHNET’s work with continental priorities.”
She further underscored inclusivity and efficiency:
“Empowering women and strengthening their networks is not only a question of equity, but also of efficiency in managing Africa’s fisheries and aquaculture resources.”

Outgoing President Beyene Christiane Ateba stressed solidarity in transition:
“We are leaving behind a stronger network, anchored on partnerships and achievements. We shall hold hands with the new Bureau, and we hope that they are building on this foundation and are taking AWFISHNET to even greater heights.”

Incoming President Lovin Kobusingye is reaffirmed her commitment to action:
“This training is equipping us with the skills and confidence to lead. We are ready to uphold accountability, strengthen our chapters, and ensure women in fisheries are having the visibility and voice they deserve.”

Looking Forward
By investing in leadership training and institutional strengthening, AWFISHNET is securing its legacy while preparing its future. The 2025–2026 Action Plan is positioning the network to advance gender equality, champion sustainable fisheries, and deepen women’s participation in decision-making across the continent.

The training and handover are being supported by AU-IBAR, FAO, AUDA-NEPAD, WorldFish, and other partners, reflecting a strong continental and global commitment to empowering women in Africa’s fisheries sector.