AFRAQ 24 serves as an essential platform for aquaculture professionals, students, and stakeholders to exchange ideas, explore innovations, and promote sustainable practices in the sector. The World Aquaculture Society (WAS) has long been a champion of advancing the aquaculture industry, particularly through the involvement and development of students and young professionals.

This session will feature experienced speakers who will share their personal and professional journeys, providing valuable insights to inspire the next generation of aquaculture leaders. A highlight of the session will be the Career Pitch & Mentorship Circles, where students will have the opportunity to connect with mentors, share their career aspirations, and receive feedback in a supportive environment. This initiative aims to foster personal connections and create a sense of belonging within the WAS aquaculture community.

Agenda
Part 1: Welcome and Introduction

• Welcome Words
  • Speaker: Khalid Salie (WAS Africa Chapter Student Manager)
  • Overview:
    • Khalid will introduce the session, discussing the importance of student engagement in aquaculture and how WAS is supporting students to drive forward sustainable practices.

Part 2: Keynote Speakers

• Keynote Address 1
  • Speaker: Dr. John Walakira (Past President, WAS Africa Chapter)
  • Overview:
    • Dr. Walakira will share his personal journey, reflecting on how WAS shaped his career from his student days. He will provide practical advice on how students can use WAS resources and networks to advance their careers in aquaculture.
• Keynote Address 2
  • Speaker: Dr. Leila Basti (Programme Organiser, WorldFish, WAS ACP Director)
  • Overview:
    • Dr. Leila Basti will share her career experiences leading to her present role leading the Asia-Africa BlueTech Superhighway project and her role as a leader in aquaculture development with WolrdFish. She will discuss the importance of sustainable practices, international collaboration, and how students can make a meaningful impact in the field.
• Talk on Promoting Aquaculture
  • Speaker: Dr Amel Mzoughi (Specialist in Sustainable Aquaculture)
  • Overview:
    • Amel will discuss the importance of connecting scientific research with the private sector to promote sustainable aquaculture. Drawing on her experience working with both research and private organizations, she will highlight the benefits of collaboration in advancing aquaculture practices and ensuring the industry’s longterm viability.

Part 3: Sharing Industry Start-up Experiences in Aquaculture

This part will focus on real-world experiences from innovators in aquaculture, sharing their successes and challenges in starting a business and in promoting responsible practices.

1. Hend Aouini (Founder, Algaplast)
   • Project: Algaplast – Red Seaweed (Hypnea) for Biodegradable Plastic Production
   • Overview: Hend will present her innovative company, Algaplast, which focuses on cultivating red seaweed to produce biodegradable plastics. She will discuss how her project is contributing to environmental sustainability and how aquaculture can be a tool for both economic and ecological innovation. She will speak about the personal journey of how she has achieved what she has with her career.
   • Time: 10 minutes
2. Mohamed Ben Ahmed (Young Entrepreneur, Aquadeep)
   • Project: Aquadeep
   • Overview: Mohamed will share her journey of launching her own Tunisian startup offering a SaaS platform tailored for the aquaculture industry. Their solution provides real-time monitoring and automation using computer vision and AI. It helps hatcheries track production, count fish larvae, and optimize processes efficiently. Built on AWS for scalability, Aquadeep supports sustainable growth and has partnered with leading hatcheries in France, Saudi Arabia, and beyond.He will discuss the advantages and challenges of following her dream in aquaculture, sharing valuable lessons with the students.
   • Time: 10 minutes
3. NGB (Notre Grand Bleu) – Ramla Bouhlel and Kaouthar Kaziz
   • Overview: NGB will present the transition of their organization from opposing aquaculture development to becoming a key partner in promoting coexistence and sustainable practices in the region. They will explain how their work focuses on scientific outreach, the importance of social integration in aquaculture projects, and the development of public demonstration projects in aquaponics.
   • Time: 15 minutes
   • Key Focus: Importance of aquaculture projects for social integration, education, and sustainable community development.

Part 4: Career Pitch & Mentorship Circles

• Chair: Nesrine Zayene (Assistant Professor at the University of Carthage, Specialist in Aquaculture Nutrition)
• Moderator: Amel Mzoughi, Leila Basti and Peter Britz
• Co-Moderators: Nourhen Rebai (PhD Student, Specialised in Blue Growth Economy and Marine Pollution)
• Overview:
  • Participants will be divided into small groups to facilitate intimate discussions with mentors, including the opportunity for students to pitch their aquaculture career plans.
  • This interactive segment aims to create a safe space for deeper discussions, allowing students to connect with mentors personally and receive feedback on their aspirations.
  • The segment will conclude with brief networking opportunities to foster relationships.
  • Rodrigue Yossa
  • A POCKET GUIDE TO SCIENTIFIC WRITING IN AQUACULTURE RESEARCH

Closing Remarks and Follow-Up

• Summarize key takeaways from the session, emphasizing the importance of innovation, sustainability, and student participation in the future of aquaculture.
• Questions & Prizes (5 minutes)
  • Open the floor for any final questions from participants.
  • Announce prizes for best participants ideas, fostering a sense of accomplishment and engagement.