As founding gold sponsors of the African Chapter of the World Aquaculture Society (WASAC), Aller-Aqua has renewed its sponsorship for another three years. Renewing its sponsorship once again shows Aller Aqua's dedication towards the African fish feeds market and its commitment to work with continental platforms on developing the aquaculture sector across the continent. More information: https://www.aller-aqua.com/zm/news/2022/aller-aqua-continues-to-support-the-african-chapter-of-the-world-aquaculture-society

Dr John Walakira is a Director of Research at the Abi ZARDI-National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), UGANDA. John first joined WAS in 2003 and has attended numerous WAS and partner events around the world ever since. He was elected the first President-Elect for the WAS-AC in 2019 and has been instrumental in the establishment processes of the WAS AC from onset. Through various R&D activities, John has contributed immensely to the development of aquaculture in Uganda and East Africa region since 1999. He is presently a committee member on aquatic animal health management within the African Union; a member of the Scientific Committee for Lake Victoria Basin (2017 – 2020); Program Leader: Innovation and Post-Harvest Fisheries; and various other research initiatives and leadership roles within the NARO, Uganda. John has attained some awards and accolades including the African Bioscience Challenge Fund Fellowship; 1st Winner of the SARNISSA-ASAKUA Fish Health Competition; and Fish Innovation Lab-USAID fellowship and grants. As WAS AC President, John has pledged to lead the organisation on many of its upcoming events and activities in line with its commitment to be a continental player in providing the necessary societal support for sustainable aquaculture development. John can be contactable on Phone: +256777673696 Email: johnwalakira2003@gmail.com. Dr Sherif Sadek who has been President of WAS AC for the term 2019-2021 becomes the Immediate Past President.

AFRAQ21 attracted nearly 1700 registrations from 77 countries (both conference and visitors to Trade Show), the bulk of these registrations were from Egypt. The well-organised exhibition platform featured 51 booths (44 companies/organisations) from 22 countries from around the world. In addition to networking opportunities which the conference rendered, the scientific/technical programme featured 34 sessions, 261 abstracts and 58 posters – where attendees gave presentations and learnt various lessons on sustainable aquaculture development. We believe there was something for everyone at AFRAQ21!

On 25 May, Africa celebrated its annual Africa Day, which is the commemoration of the formation of the Organization for African Unity (OAU) about 57 years ago. The OAU was disbanded and replaced by the African Union (AU) in 2002. Unfortunately, commemorations were held in a somber mood this year. No doubt everyone is talking about the novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), which is taking its toll on the world, causing deaths, illnesses and economic despair. The pandemic has spread to all 55 countries in Africa. According to the latest data by John Hopkins University and the Africa Center for Disease Control (CDC), as of 27 May, the continent had nearly 120,000 confirmed cases, with just over 3,600 deaths.

This is my first column for 2020 — let me begin by welcoming you to a new decade and a new year 2020!

The past year has been a remarkable year for the African Chapter of WAS. The year marked the end of the “establishment phase,” where most of the Chapter’s foundational structures were successfully put in place. As I promised in my previous column, we have finished setting up and launched the necessary working eight committees that will work to advise the Board on decision-making processes and some ad hoc activities, in line with Chapter by-laws and our Strategic Plan. The committees consist of Chapter members in good standing, identified from the various regions of Africa and beyond, but with the relevant competencies to perform associated duties. I am looking forward to working with these committees to drive African Chapter business forward. I owe a debt of gratitude to many of you, our members, for agreeing to be part of these committees.

The African Chapter is currently celebrating its one-year anniversary and when I look back to where we started, where we are today,where we are going and the achievements we have made to this day, I just feel so blessed to be leading such a progressive society. We are slowly getting there!

This past quarter has been quite an eventful and momentous one for the African Chapter. I’m elated by the hard work and due diligence expressed by interim office bearers and advisors to take the Chapter to another level of progression. As a team, we managed to deliver on various planned programs and activities within our workplan.

The African Chapter of The World Aquaculture Society is please to announce that it has appointed an interim board to direct the activities of the chapter until a permanent board can be elected by the chapter membership.

Congratulations Africa and the world aquaculture community, 7 November 2018 marked the approval and ratification of the African Chapter of WAS! We are delighted about this great achievement and proud to be finally standing alongside other chapters of WAS from around the world. It would be prudent for me to begin this presidential column by evoking the journey we have been on and achievements made along the way to where we are today.

A very import part of the future success of the African Chapter is the belief and support of Aller Aqua for the African Chapter. Aller Aqua has agreed to support the African Chapter, World Aquaculture Society (WAS) as a FOUNDING GOLD SPONSOR, thereby contributing to the activities of the Chapter and Society.

“It is important for us to continue to have a positive impact on aquaculture globally. Aquaculture is experiencing significant growth, particularly in Africa, and it is vital to support initiatives which help ensure that growth of aquaculture is facilitated all over Africa. This is done through research as well as sharing knowledge. Besides our own activities, we can help achieve this through our support of the WAS African Chapter and their efforts. I am pleased that WAS have chosen to focus on aquaculture in Africa and through the African Chapter recognize the large diversity on the continent. We experience it when meeting with customers from the various African countries”
Niels Lundgaard, Aller Aqua Commercial Director for Africa