12 SEPTEMBER • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG CHAPTER REPORTS African Chapter We are still reflecting on the success of the Aquaculture Safari 2025 in Uganda (June 2025), which surpassed our expectations in attendance—an expo where there was truly something for everyone! We continue to receive testimonials highlighting the positive impact the event has had on many participants’ professions, aquaculture services, and countries. Aquaculture Safari 2025 in Uganda was another clear demonstration that WAS-AC has come of age and can deliver beyond expectations. With over 1,660 active members to date, the WAS AC has undoubtedly become the most significant chapter worldwide! This is an impressive milestone, and I am incredibly grateful for this momentous achievement. It is mainly thanks to the many students and small-scale aquaculture stakeholders who continue to join the chapter in large numbers to benefit from the numerous offerings of the WAS. As a society, we are committed to addressing the needs and aspirations of these diverse member groups, which are vital for the future of aquaculture development in Africa. The rapid increase in membership has underscored the need to strengthen our structural foundations. The chapter is currently developing its Five-Year Strategic Plan, which will concentrate on boosting our delivery capabilities. Key strategic priorities will include expanding regional coverage, especially in Francophone and Lusophone Africa, as well as in countries with low aquaculture production; enhancing resource mobilization through connections with development partners; creating accessible knowledge repositories; promoting public-private partnerships; advancing the African student program; and supporting smallholder aquaculture actors — particularly women and youth. We will soon form ad hoc committees to oversee these initiatives. Looking beyond the continent, I understand many Africans are registered to attend conferences in other regions this season, including Aquaculture Europe 2025 in Valencia, Spain (September 2025), Latin America and Caribbean Aquaculture 2025 in Chile (October 2025), World Aquaculture India 2025 in Hyderabad (November 2025), and several other partner events worldwide. These events offer excellent networking opportunities with global experts, as well as access to cutting-edge research and innovative technologies. Be sure to bring this knowledge and connections back home to benefit our local aquaculture. You are, of course, Africa’s ambassadors at these events! Be sure to raise the continent’s flag high! Domestically, we look forward to meeting many of our members and partners at upcoming strategic conferences in Ghana (Aquaculture Ghana 2025, October 2025), the Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON 2025, September), the 10th International Fisheries and Aquaculture Conference (SIPA 2025, November, Algeria), and the International Conference on Fisheries and Aquaculture (CIPAS 2025, November, Angola), among many other partner events. We warmly welcome international delegates and members from different chapters to join us at these important African events. I extend my immense gratitude to everyone contributing in various ways to the advancement of the WAS-AC. I look forward to connecting with you in the next season’s column, which may be my final one as President of the African Chapter. — Foluke O. Areola, President WAS STUDENT ASSOCIATION AWARDS & CONTESTS Prior to each annual conference, Student Association members will receive the opportunity to submit entries for a number of awards to further their growth in the aquaculture industry. Take advantage of the Complimentary Student membership — see page 84 of this issue. Student Room Lottery (Free Accommodation): Each year, the Student Activities Committee of the World Aquaculture Society accepts entries for free rooms at the upcoming conference. A call for entries is sent out by e-mail and the drawing is held 6-8 weeks prior to the conference. WAS Travel Award: Student Abstracts are scored prior to the conference by members of the World Aquaculture Society. The three winners are invited to compete at the upcoming conference for the Student Spotlight Award. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 77)
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