Aquaculture continues to grow in importance for African economies in several ways, including providing sustainable and nutritious food to the continent’s rapidly growing populations, creating jobs, and improving livelihoods.
It is in this context that the annual Aquaculture Conferences in Africa (AFRAQ) were launched, which have been highly successful, starting with Egypt (2022) and Zambia (2023). These annual meetings have brought together a wide range of aquaculturists from commercial, academic, governmental, and NGO sectors to celebrate the sector’s achievements, as well as to find solutions to some of the challenges the sector faces.
Tunisia will host the third Africa Aquaculture Conference (AFRAQ24) from November 19 to 22, 2024, in Hammamet, reinforcing Tunisia’s position as one of Africa’s leading aquaculture-producing countries and one of the highest growing nations in the world in this sector. The country is the second-largest aquaculture producer in North Africa, after Egypt, and is working to further develop the sector using the competitive advantages of its blue economy.
In addition to assessing the thriving Tunisian aquaculture sector, hosting AFRAQ24 in Tunisia is expected to inspire African, Francophone, and Arab communities. AFRAQ24 will serve as a platform connecting Africa with European aquaculture stakeholders.
The technical program of AFRAQ24 will focus on development issues, including the latest research and aspects of aquaculture development in Africa. The event will also feature an international trade exhibition, industry forums, student sessions and activities, satellite workshops (and training sessions), and various meetings/forums on the development of aquaculture in Tunisia and Africa. The international conference will revolve around the theme « Blue Farming: New Horizons for Economic Growth, » showcasing lessons from Tunisia and other countries on the role sustainable aquaculture continues to play in establishing sustainable food systems for economic growth.
A Hub for Aquaculture Communities
Collaboration and partnership will be central to this event. AFRAQ’s great strength is its ability to bring together key players in Africa’s aquaculture development, including industry leaders, international development agencies, financial institutions, governments, NGOs, and the research community, according to the organizers.
With contributions and presentations from both the public and private sectors, producers, researchers, academic institutions, and financial and development institutions, the event offers a unique opportunity to explore the latest innovations and experiences — a melting pot of global and African aquaculture communities. The conference will recognize and celebrate progress made in sustainable aquaculture development in Africa and propose solutions to some of the continent’s development challenges. Sessions will cover topics such as sustainable aquaculture in the face of climate change, aquaculture financing, aquatic animal health, aquatic animal feed, biotechnology, youth, and gender.
« As we celebrate our five years of existence, the diversity of our members, our strategic partnerships with various entities, and our results have allowed us to develop functional communities of practice that will continue to play a role in the sustainable development of aquaculture in Africa. This will once again be clearly demonstrated at AFRAQ24, given the numerous organizations showcased, both new and traditional, » said Sherif Sadek, former president of the World Aquaculture Society (WAS).
Among the new sessions, there is a special session by the International Atomic Energy Agency on aquatic animal health — research and development. The African Union will host a new session on the development of the African algae program. The Global Salmon Initiative (GSI) and its partners will organize a commercial seminar on aquaculture in Africa alongside AFRAQ24. This seminar is expected to bring together business leaders and CEOs of major African aquaculture companies. The conference program is being finalized and should be available online soon.
Source : african manager
