UGANDA HOSTS LANDMARK WORLD AQUACULTURE SAFARI 2025: A GLOBAL CALL TO TRANSFORM AQUACULTURE IN AFRICA
Kampala, Uganda – June 27, 2025
Uganda has successfully hosted the World Aquaculture Safari 2025, the largest aquaculture event ever held on the African continent. The four-day international conference, held from June 24 to 27 at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, brought together over 1,800 participants from 79 countries around the world including scientists, policymakers, private sector leaders, fish farmers, and development partners.
The conference was officially opened on June 25th by Hon. Jessica Alupo, Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. In her keynote address, she underscored Uganda’s commitment to harnessing aquaculture as a tool for sustainable development.
“This conference convenes at a pivotal moment in history. As the world faces increasing pressure to feed a growing population amidst climate uncertainty, aquaculture offers a compelling solution,one that delivers nutritious food, creates jobs, and safeguards aquatic ecosystems,” said the Vice President.
She emphasized Uganda’s strategic ambition to produce 1 million metric tons of farmed fish by 2030, backed by ongoing investments in research, infrastructure, and private sector development.
Following the Vice President, Hon. Hellen Adoa, Minister of State for Fisheries, highlighted the importance of regional coordination and environmental protection:
“As we embrace aquaculture, we must also find effective ways to share resources across our borders,” she stressed. “And while promoting aquaculture, we should never lose sight of the importance of safeguarding our water resources.”
Also addressing the gathering was H.E. Veronica M. Nduva, Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC), who reinforced the strategic relevance of aquaculture in the region’s development goals and thanked partners including the European Union, IFAD, and GIZ for their continued support.
“The aquaculture sub-sector has emerged as a strategic sector to deliver on both economic and ecological fronts,” she remarked. “Together, we can ensure that aquaculture continues to serve as a key driver of inclusive development and food security.”
Key Highlights from the Conference
One of the most significant outcomes of the event was the launch of the East Africa Regional Aquaculture Association (EARAA) on June 27th. A product of the EU-funded TRUEFISH Project, EARAA is envisioned as the collective voice of fish farmers and aquaculture stakeholders across the East African region. Its formation marks a major step toward strengthening coordination, advocacy, and representation within the sector.
In addition, the conference also witnessed the unveiling of the Lake Victoria Basin Regional Aquatic Organism Health Strategy 2024–2034 (LVB RAOHS), another key output of the TRUEFISH project. The strategy aims to guide partner states in ensuring the health and resilience of aquatic organisms and ecosystems in the region.
Participants were urged to integrate this strategy into national frameworks to ensure long-term sustainability and biodiversity protection in East Africa’s water bodies.
Throughout the conference, there were engaging thematic sessions and panel discussions addressing a wide array of topics, including innovations in fish feed, climate-smart aquaculture practices, market development, aquatic health, and biosecurity. The event also facilitated knowledge exchange and meaningful networking among participants from various regions.
A special high-level donor engagement session, organized by the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO)the co-host of the event,brought together major development partners to deliberate on strengthening future partnerships and ensuring the sustainability of current achievements. Donors reaffirmed their commitment to supporting aquaculture as a pathway for rural development, food security, and regional integration.
Looking Ahead
As curtains closed on what has been described as a highly successful and impactful conference, delegates expressed appreciation for Uganda’s hospitality and the inclusive nature of the deliberations.
The next World Aquaculture Safari is scheduled to take place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in December 1-4th 2026, with expectations to build on the momentum and partnerships forged in Kampala.
