Enhancing Sustainable Fisheries Management and Aquaculture Development In Africa (FISHGOV 2)

Policy Framework & Reform Strategy for Fisheries & Aquaculture in Africa (PFRS)

This Policy Framework lays down the guiding principles for the strategy, namely (i) increasing fisheries and aquaculture productivity, (ii) improving profitability of fish enterprises, (iii) enhancing sustainability, (iv) wealth generation, (v) social welfare, nutrition and food security, and (vi) regional collaborative management and strengthening south-south cooperation as well as the “African Voice” on international policy dialogue which has implications for African fisheries governance.

Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa. May 2014	VISION STATEMENT: Sustainable management and utilization of fisheries and aquaculture resources through the creation of a conducive and enabling environment for equitable, economic and social development in Africa
	OVERALL GOAL: Provide structured guidance to Africa’s fisheries management agencies, and other stakeholders to facilitate reforms towards coherent national and regional policies to ensure full wealth-generating potential, sustainable social, environmental, profitable outcomes for Africa and its people
	PURPOSE: To facilitate transformation of Africa’s fisheries and aquaculture for food, livelihoods and wealth

Coordination Mechanism: African Fisheries Reform Mechanism (AFRM)

The African Fisheries Reform Mechanism (AFRM) is a flagship initiative led by the African Union (AU) that was endorsed in 2019 to enhance coordination and coherence in the governance of Africa’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors. Established in 2014, the AFRM emerged in response to a 2010 call by the Conference of African Ministers of Fisheries and Aquaculture (CAMFA), aiming to create a unified platform for collaboration and policy advocacy across the continent.

A Platform for Collaboration and Reform

At its core, the AFRM serves as a continental hub where diverse stakeholders—policymakers, researchers, private sector actors, and small-scale operators—unite to exchange knowledge, drive policy reforms, and monitor progress in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. Its goal is to build sustainable, productive, and resilient systems that contribute to Africa’s food security and economic growth.

Functions

1. Coordination
2. Information sharing
3. Knowledge generation
4. Advocacy
5. Policy development
6. Resources mobilization

AFRM Working Groups: Champions of Sectoral Development

The AFRM is structured around four specialized Working Groups, each addressing critical areas of the sector:

• Governance: Strengthening institutional frameworks and driving policy coherence.
• Aquaculture: Enhancing sustainable aquaculture practices to boost productivity.
• Trade: Promoting fair and inclusive access to local and global markets.
• Small-Scale Fisheries: Advocating for the rights and resilience of small-scale fisheries, a vital lifeline for many African communities.

These Working Groups provide strategic guidance, recommend reforms, and ensure alignment with regional and global goals.

Integrating with Continental Priorities

The AFRM plays a pivotal role in supporting the African Union’s Specialized Technical Committee (STC) on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water, and Environment. Through initiatives like the FishGov2 Project, efforts are underway to streamline and activate the AFRM, including convening working group meetings to address emerging challenges and opportunities in fisheries and aquaculture.

Building a Sustainable Future

With its focus on collaboration, advocacy, and action, the AFRM continues to champion sustainable growth and governance in Africa’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors. By fostering partnerships and driving innovation, it aims to unlock the full potential of these vital resources for the benefit of current and future generations.

Strategic Objective 1: Evidence-based Policies & Decisions
Improved Knowledge Access: Enhancing access to up-to-date information on fisheries and aquaculture.

• Strengthened Platforms & Networks: Building robust networks for collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Solid Reporting System: Ensuring comprehensive reporting to the STC on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water, and Environment.
• Mainstreaming in AU Policies: Integrating fisheries and aquaculture into AU policies and initiatives.
• Enhanced Advocacy: Amplifying efforts to highlight the importance of fisheries and aquaculture.
   

Strategic Objective 2: Policy Coherence with PFRS
Enhanced Regional Collaboration: Strengthening capacities for effective regional collaboration and integration.

• PFRS-Coherent Policies: Supporting the development of policies aligned with the Pan-African Fisheries and Aquaculture Reform Strategy (PFRS).
• Facilitated Fish Trade: Building capacities to enhance intra and inter-regional fish trade under AfCFTA.
   

Strategic Objective 3: Representation, Participation & Domestication
Negotiation & Coordination Capacities: Enhancing capacities for effective negotiation and coordination of African Common Positions.

• Domestication of Global Instruments: Creating mechanisms for the domestication of global fisheries and aquaculture instruments.
• AU-EU Dialogue: Effectively articulating fisheries and aquaculture issues in AU-EU dialogues for mutual benefit.

                                                                                                        Submission of Abstracts extended to: May 15, 2025
                                                                                     https://was.org/Meeting/Abstract/Submit/AFRAQ25

                                                                                                                                   World Aquaculture Society:
                                                                                                                 https://www.was.org/