Aquaculture Africa 2024 (AFRAQ24) is pleased to announce Dr. Constantinos Mylonas as its opening keynote speaker. The event, which takes place in Hammamet, Tunisia on 19-22 November 2024 will be hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries with support from other national entities in Tunisia.

The 2nd Aquaculture Africa Conference (AFRAQ23) took place on 13-16 November 2023 at the majestic Mulungushi International Convention Centre in Lusaka, Zambia. Themed “Resilient value chains in the blue economy” AFRAQ23 attracted nearly 1200 attendees from industry, academia, government, and development partners. Delegates hailed from 73 countries around the world, but mostly African nations. The event took place as WAS-AC was celebrating five years of existence; the Chapter was formally established in November 2018.

Ms. Foluke Omotayo Areola is the new WAS African Chapter President, having been inaugurated at the most recent Aquaculture Africa (AFRAQ23) Conference in Lusaka Zambia (November 2023). Ms. Areola, a long serving WAS member, is a former Federal Director of Fisheries Quarantine in Nigeria (within the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development). She is also a former President of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON) and a Board Member to various organisations in the country.

As we begin the home-stretch to the much awaited 2nd Aquaculture Africa Conference (AFRAQ23), scheduled for Zambia (13-16 November 2023), I thought I should reflect more on the theme of the event: Resilient value chains in the blue economy. This theme augurs well with what the sector has experienced in recent years – a myriad of emerging threats in addition to known traditional and long-term challenges.

The conference offers a great opportunity for aquaculture researchers, practitioners, decision makers and other stakeholders to meet, network and discuss all aspects of aquaculture in Africa. Exhibitors from all over the globe are expected to exhibit their products in the amazing exhibition Center. Visits to some famous touristic attractions in Lusaka and Zambia will be arranged. Special excursionary or aquaculture tours will also be arranged to nearby fish farms

As we began our new fiscal year in April, I thought it was imperative to reflect on the general trends of aquaculture development in Africa. There is no doubt that our service and deliverables do in some way contribute to the development trajectory of African aquaculture. I am thankful to the FAO Aquaculture Statistics Division for keeping us updated on trends and statistics. Here is where Africa stands at the moment, based on FAO aquaculture statistics from 2021

March 2023 marks the end of the 2022-2023 fiscal year for the African Chapter of WAS. It also marks the end of my first year as African Chapter President. What a productive year it was — mostly as we witnessed many events and activities, getting back to a full normal post-Covid period. A lot of activities are lined up for this coming season as we continue striving to deliver on our mandate of providing a platform for enhanced

As we round up our celebrations for the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture, it is imperative that African aquaculture actors, especially producers, be recognized and appreciated for their contribution in feeding humanity and creating livelihoods for millions in Africa. We are all aware of the huge numbers of malnourished people in Africa and the potential of fish in food systems to address such malnourishment.

The African Chapter has been engaged with many events and activities in the region as we continue to capture the momentum generated from the AFRAQ21 conference held in Egypt in March. We have realized a surge in membership from new registrations and renewals over the past quarter, indicating a growth in confidence in our chapter.

The baton has just been handed to me! And as the new President of the African Chapter of WAS, what a privilege and honor to lead one of the fastest growing and most dynamic chapters of WAS for the next two years. I am highly indebted to the WAS Board and membership for this opportunity.