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.

Enviva DUO is a direct-fed microbial solution for poultry production. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

IFF recently announced the launch of Enviva DUO, a groundbreaking direct-fed microbial (DFM) solution for poultry production

The solution constitutes innovative blend of two non-spore forming bacterial strains designed to address challenging conditions by supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Moreover, the solution also encourages a favorable nutribiotic state and promotes optimal bird performance. Its direct dosing strategy ensures that challenged birds receive the microbiomeboosting benefits of Enviva DUO, despite a decrease in feed intake.

Scientific research also supports the efficacy of Enviva DUO and demonstrates its ability to restore the bird's microbiome, improve gut conditions, and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. Its stable formulation disperses evenly in water distribution systems, preventing sedimentation or build-up, and ensuring uniform and consistent delivery to the flock, thereby maintaining operational efficiency.

The solution which is currently available to poultry integrators and large farm complexes across the US, will also expand to other regions that are pending regulatory approvals.

This development enables the food industry to keep pace with growing protein demands. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Foodtech innovator Ever After Foods partners with Bühler to help food producers around the world mass produce cultivated meat with the highest efficiency

While Bühler aims to address increasingly complex food system challenges, reduce environmental impact and improve food security through the development of equipment, Ever After Foods provides the technology to deliver commercial-scale production systems specifically designed to meet the needs of the cultivated meat sector. Cultivated meat producers can now reduce production costs by more than 90% while achieving unparalleled production efficiency.

Dedicated to leading a new era of scalability and sustainability for cultivated meat, Ever After Foods is working closely with select cultivated meat companies and top leaders in the food industry to accelerate the development and global deployment of its proprietary edible packed-bed (EPB) technology platform. Ever After Foods is actively creating scalable production solutions for clients, and its collaboration with Bühler will pave the way for dedicated and continued support of production solutions in the sector.

“The cultivated meat industry must move beyond relying on pharma-based technologies and adopt solutions specifically designed for food production,” said CEO of Ever After Foods, Eyal Rosenthal. “Our strategic collaboration with Bühler, a global leader in food equipment, is a critical step toward delivering scalable and efficient technologies that empower cultivated meat producers and food companies to bring their products to market. Together, we are driving the development of tailored solutions to sustainably scale cultivated meat production.”

Bela Szalmas and Daan van der Heijden have been appointed as area sales managers. (Image source: Hamlet Protein)

Global supplier of soy protein specialties for young animal nutrition, Hamlet Protein works on strengthening its commercial team by introducing new hires to quicken the growth in worldwide focus markets 

With Bela Szalmas and Daan van der Heijden being appointed as area sales managers, the company has confirmed its commitment to maintain and strengthen its leadership in solutions for early life nutrition in the Europe Middle East Africa region. Daan van der Heijden grew up on a poultry farm in the Netherlands and gained international experience in various multinational companies. Bela Szalmas on the other hand, is from Hungary and comes with more than 20 years of experience in agribusiness, agronomy and sales. 

Hamlet Protein produces soy-based protein ingredients for young piglet, poultry, and cattle feed at two production plants in Denmark and the US, serving customers around the world through a network of own sales offices and distributors. 

“Young animal nutrition is key in driving performance throughout the lifecycle of the animal and Hamlet Protein’s products have a proven track record in making a difference. I am happy to be joining a talented team of experienced professionals,” said van der Heijden. 

“Research shows that the inclusion of high-quality ingredients in starter and pre-starter feeds results in improved gut health, better digestion and absorption of feed components and a stronger immune system," commented Hamlet Protein CEO Erik Visser. "That is why we say that a good start makes all the difference and that is why we are excited starting the new year with these strong hires.”