The Forum is driven by the latest findings from the Malabo Montpellier Panel. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The importance of effective policies in fisheries and aquaculture was underscored at the 15th Malabo Montpellier Forum, which convened on 30 January 2025

This high-level dialogue, facilitated by AKADEMIYA2063, highlighted the critical role of policies in advancing agriculture and food security, and emphasised the need for innovative and evidence-based policy approaches to unlock the full potential of the aquaculture sector in Africa. The 15th Malabo Montpellier Forum followed COP29 and aligns with the Post-Malabo CAADP Strategy and Action Plan for 2026-2035.

As a vital platform for high-level dialogue among policymakers, the Forum is driven by the latest findings from the Malabo Montpellier Panel, which provides key recommendations for enhancing the aquaculture sector's contribution to Africa's food systems, underscoring the importance of policies in promoting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture practices, improving food security, and reducing poverty in Africa. The Forum meets twice a year, and every meeting is guided by a technical report prepared by members of the Malabo Montpellier Panel.

Dr Huyam Salih, director of the African Union - InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) highlighted AU-IBAR's experiences and insights acquired from successfully implementing the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture (PFRS) after its approval in 2014. He also stressed the importance of women in fisheries and aquaculture development, emphasising their contributions to the sector's growth and sustainability. AU-IBAR's involvement at the Malabo Montpellier Forum allowed it to share its experiences and lessons learnt in assisting countries with the implementation of the PFRS, as well as make recommendations for future action.

The panel report focuses on successful approaches, including institutional, policy, and technical innovations and programmatic interventions among African countries including Ghana, Malawi, Morocco, and Mozambique, to enhance the role of the aquaculture sector in the transformation of food systems. These countries have shown significant success and progress in growing their fisheries and aquaculture sector.

The conference will cater to a global audience covering a diverse range of presentations, species, meetings, discussions, workshops and more. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Africa's biggest aquaculture meeting — the World Aquaculture Safari 2025 — will be held from 24-27 June in Kampala, Uganda

Aquaculture has a tremendous potential to contribute to sub-Saharan Africa's food security, while also boosting job opportunities across the continent. Over the years, aquaculture production has seen a 11% growth, with tilapia being the most-farmed fish in sub-Saharan Africa. Recognising its significance, the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) has established annual conferences to celebrate achievements, address challenges, and foster collaboration in the sector.

Sponsored by the EU-funded TRUEFISH Project, the World Aquaculture Safari 2025 is a World Aquaculture Conference, incorporating both the continental event and the showcase global event. Besides addressing key African topics such as tilapia and catfish production, the conference will also cater to a global audience covering a diverse range of presentations, species, meetings, discussions, workshops and more.

The FAO, the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) are few among the many developmental partners that are expected to participate.

The initiative aims to promote sustainable development and governance in Africa's fisheries and aquaculture sector. (Image source: AU-IBAR)

AU-IBAR is hosting a National Stakeholders Consultative and Validation Workshop from 20-24 August in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

The workshop aims to align Burkina Faso’s agricultural investment plans and fisheries and aquaculture strategies with the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa (PFRS). Additionally, it seeks to address climate change adaptation and formulate recommendations for the domestication of relevant global instruments.

The workshop agenda includes a series of sessions focused on climate change adaptation and aligning national fisheries and aquaculture strategies with the PFRS. The first day features opening remarks from key dignitaries, followed by presentations on the PFRS and discussions on the alignment of national policies. The subsequent days involve breakout sessions for group work on integrating national agricultural investment plans with climate change strategies, domestication of global instruments, and policy alignment. The workshop concludes with plenary sessions to adopt consultancy reports, wrap up discussions, and develop actionable recommendations.

Participants from various sectors, including NGOs, private sector stakeholders, and representatives from the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences, are collaborating to ensure the successful alignment of national strategies with continental and global frameworks. 

Speaking on behalf of Dr Huyam Salih, Director of AU-IBAR, Rafik Nouaili highlighted the pivotal role of the PFRS and the EU-funded FishGov2 initiative in supporting AU member states in the pursuit of Agenda 2063. 

Illustration of a horizontal cross-section of the solar powered aquaponics greenhouse. (Image source: WorldFish – Egypt)

WorldFish in collaboration with the Royal Norwegian Embassy has launched a revolutionary solar-powered aquaponics greenhouse in Egypt, demonstrating a move towards a sustainable integrated agriculture-aquaculture- (IAA) system

A demonstration aquaponics greenhouse was established at WorldFish's facility in Abbassa, Abu-Hammad, Sharqia. This milestone was achieved through the Centre for Renewable Energy in Aquaculture (CeREA), a four-year project funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Cairo.

This cutting-edge system comprises two fish tanks and two deep water culture units, with each fish tank stocked with genetically improved Nile tilapia. To ensure optimal conditions for the fish, the system is equipped with two submersible pumps, two air blowers and mechanical and biological filters. This design facilitates the efficient conversion of ammonia waste to nitrate nitrogen, thereby maintaining a harmonious aquatic-environment. To ensure optimal conditions for the fish, the system is equipped with two submersible pumps, two air blowers and mechanical and biological filters. This design facilitates the efficient conversion of ammonia waste to nitrate nitrogen, thereby maintaining a harmonious aquatic-environment.

Being the largest in the Africa, Egypt's aquaculture industry produces 2 million tons of fish annually with a production value of US$1.3bn. The waste produced by the fish provides nutrients required for the plants, while the plants filter the water for the fish, creating a harmonious cycle. By adding solar panels, a sustainable and energy-efficient farming system can be created and sustained.

"The integration of solar panels in aquaponics systems offers several key benefits. First and foremost, it reduces the reliance on traditional energy sources, thus lowering the carbon footprint of the farm, said country director of WorldFish, Egypt, Ahmed Nasr-Allah. "By harnessing the power of the sun, aquaponic farms can operate off-grid, making them ideal for remote or rural areas where access to electricity may be limited.”