Each year, starting in 2023, the WAS African Chapter (WAS-AC) will recognize individuals, companies, and organizations that have made significant contributions to both the Chapter and the development of aquaculture in Africa. this recognition spans various fields, including industry development, scientific research, education, technological innovations, communications and information exchange.

The previous quarter has not only been eventful but also progressive for the Chapter on many fronts. Firstly, the Chapter membership has surged to a new record of 1,660 as reported at the end of May 2025! This represents a 21% increase from when we last reported at the beginning of the year (1,370 members). A membership recruitment blitz and campaign process were launched in the past quarter to get as many aquaculture actors as possible in Africa to join WAS and experience some of its benefits, including the voting process. This has indeed borne fruit, as we saw many new members subscribing to the WAS and subsequently participating in the just-ended WAS global voting process. In addition, this impressive growth can be attributed to the increasing popularity of WAS’s complimentary membership packages for students and small-scale aquaculture practitioners. I

Welcome to the exciting year 2025! At WAS-AC, we aim to carry forward the energy, enthusiasm, wisdom, and progress that have defined us in previous years and to build upon them in this new year. I am pleased to share that Aller-Aqua has renewed its sponsorship of WAS-AC for another three years until 2027. We again join Aller-Aqua in the slogan, “Let’s grow together!” As always, Aller-Aqua is expected at our World Aquaculture Safari Conference 2025 and other regional platforms this year. Thank you, Aller Aqua, for your role in aquaculture development in Africa!

Each year since 2023, the WAS African Chapter (WAS-AC) will celebrate individuals, companies and organizations who have made significant contributions to the Chapter and to the development of aquaculture in Africa, in fields of scientific research, education, technological innovations, communication and information exchange. These recipients have transformed our understanding of aquaculture in Africa, impacted mand aquaculture actors positively by contributing to solutions for the advancement of sustainable aquaculture in Africa.

As the curtain of the year 2024 draws to a close, the WAS-AC is still celebrating a remarkable year filled with many achievements in our journey to serve aquaculture development in Africa. Let me take a moment to express our gratitude for your support and collaboration during the year 2024.

Remarks by WAS African Chapter President, Madam Foluke Areola, Presented at AQUACULTURE AFRICA 2024 (AFRAQ24), Hammamet, Tunisia Program Director, Honorable Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries for the Republic of Tunisia Mr. Ezzedine Ben Chiekh, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock for Republic of Zambia Engineer Himba Cheelo, His Excellency: Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary for Angola in Algeria and

As part of our strategy for reaching out to ourmembers and key national and regional associations, especially in key producer countries in Africa, I had the opportunity to attend this year’s well-promoted and successful Aquaculture Ghana 2024 Conference, on behalf of the WAS. This took place in April 2024. I was inspired to see and interact with many aquaculture value chain actors, including WAS members there — all with the goal to transform aquaculture development in Ghana.

As predicted in my previous column, the first half of 2024 has been quite busy for us, filled with events and activities as we continue striving to serve and raise the profile of the aquaculture sector in Africa. The executive board members, WAS AC members at large and our partners have been quite visible in organizing and featuring at several strategic meetings, both physically and virtually.

Tunisia is the northernmost country in Africa and part of the Maghreb region of North Africa. It is bordered by Algeria to the west and southwest, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east. Known for its tourism, Tunisia offers countless attractions, including archeological sites (dating back to the 9th Century BC). Its 1,300 km coastline along the Mediterranean boasts countless pristine, sunny and sandy beaches and resorts. The Southern part of the country features the Sahara Desert landscape.

Aquaculture Africa 2024 (AFRAQ24) is pleased to announce Dr. Constantinos Mylonas as its opening keynote speaker. The event, which takes place in Hammamet, Tunisia on 19-22 November 2024 will be hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries with support from other national entities in Tunisia.