Empowering Women and Youth in African Fisheries: AWFISHNET’s Leadership at WAS25

On June 27, 2025, the African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFISHNET) hosted a pivotal panel discussion, “Empowering Women in African Aquaculture and Fisheries,” on the sidelines of the World Aquaculture Safari 2025 Conference, which took place at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala, Uganda. This event brought together more than 150 participants from academia, government, civil society, the private sector, and development partners. The focus was on highlighting the critical roles of women and youth in shaping Africa’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

The session opened with remarks from key partners, including AU-IBAR, GIZ, the Gates Foundation, and FAO. These organizations emphasized the importance of gender equity, youth inclusion, and systemic change in fisheries. Ms. Lovin Kobusingye, AWFISHNET President, delivered a keynote address, emphasizing that women are the “heartbeat of Africa’s economy” and calling for immediate action to ensure equitable access, environmental protections, and inclusive policies. She cited successes such as Tanzania’s revised fisheries policy mandating women’s inclusion and AWFISHNET’s training of 1,500 women in hygienic processing, which reduced post-harvest losses by 25% in pilot communities.

Panel discussions explored strategies to transform women’s roles in fisheries, with insights from grassroots leaders and regional partners. Dr. Elizabeth Nyboer of Virginia Tech discussed balancing environmental protection with community needs, while Mrs. Editrudith Lukanga of AWFISHNET Tanzania described projects supporting thousands of women across East Africa. The youth segment, although shortened, highlighted research on aquaculture’s benefits for food security and the importance of women-owned cooperatives.

AWFISHNET’s presence extended beyond the panel, with a vibrant exhibition held at the Women and Youth Pavilion. Here, women-led innovations such as smokeless kilns, deep-fried Mukene, and fish sausages attracted significant attention, demonstrating the network’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to sustainable practices. These products not only showcased technical ingenuity but also fostered new market connections and visibility for women in fisheries.

The event concluded with actionable recommendations, including the need for longer sessions, translation services for inclusivity, and prioritizing women and youth panels earlier in conference schedules. AWFISHNET’s engagement at AFRAQ25 underscored its transformative role in empowering women and youth across Africa, setting a strong foundation for continued advocacy and progress toward a gender-equitable and sustainable blue economy.