Innovative policies to promote growth of Africa's aquaculture industry

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.