40 DECEMBER 2024 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG NOTABLE ADVANCEMENTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS DURING THE YEAR 2023/4 Aquaculture development in Africa Aquaculture in Africa is gradually improving post-COVID pandemic, with new investments witnessed. In addition, strengthened value chains for major producing companies and overall public understanding of aquaculture have improved production in several countries. Chapter development, structures and membership valorisation The African Chapter (AC) is celebrating six years of existence (established 7 November, 2018). Overall total membership has significantly increased (by over 117%) year-on-year, from 170 in August 2023 to 370 as of August 2024. This was largely driven by complimentary student registrations and also AFRAQ participants. The WAS-AC student program was launched in August 2023, leading to many students signing up for the complimentary membership. The new membership policy of retaining the lowest individual membership rate ($45) for low-income countries may have also contributed to improved registration numbers. The African Union Development Agency – New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) has recently (July 2024) renewed the hosting agreement of the WAS-AC Secretariat. AFRAQs and other African events The successful hosting of Aquaculture Africa Conferences in Egypt (2022), Zambia (2023), and other regional events and activities heightened the chapter’s capabilities and visibility. AFRAQ23, Zambia (November 13-16, 2023) recorded a registration rate of 1200 participants. Growing international recognition resulted from successful collaborations with several strategic organizations and partners, AFRAQ conferences and other regional events. Regional Economic Committees (Southern African Development Community, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, East African Community) and governments (Egypt, Zambia, Uganda) have committed to host AFRAQ Conferences. FAO and its partners have committed to hosting the “Africa Aquaculture Day” during upcoming AFRAQs. Other organizations such as AUDA-NEPAD, World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association, World Initiative for Soy in Human Health, WorldFish, and key global universities continue to be strategic partners at AFRAQs and other events. The Tunisian government approved the hosting of AFRAQ24. The hosting agreement was signed on 24 August, 2024. The AC successfully collaborated with other parties in the hosting of Conferences on aquaculture in Eastern Africa (EARAC3, Tanzania with over 400 attendees), Aquaculture Ghana 2024 (West Africa), and Aquaculture Southern Africa 2024). Regional Outreach events were successfully organized in several countries including Angola, Ghana, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania. World Aquaculture Safari 2025 was launched in April 2024 in Uganda, with affirmed commitments from the EU-funded TRUEFISH project in East Africa. Conference dates are 24-27 June, 2025. With the growing interest from members and aquaculture actors in Africa and globally, WAS-AC is now geared to host AFRAQs annually. Special honours, awards and recognitions WAS-AC successfully conducted its first Honorary Awards Ceremony during the AFRAQ23 Opening Ceremony. Key institutions and individuals received honorary/appreciation awards for their important roles in serving aquaculture development in Africa and for establishing WAS-AC. WAS-AC witnessed some of its members being presented with special honorary awards during large conferences including Aquaculture Ghana 2024 and EARAC3 in Tanzania. WAS-AC also received an honorary award at the Aquaculture Ghana 2023 Conference. Knowledge Base, Communication and Dissemination Structures WAS-AC systems and structures continue to improve their functionality. Improved communication channels (regional websites, social media, new media partners, etc.) have been established to reach out to members and the aquaculture audience at large. Since 2020, WAS-AC has continued to host free-access technical webinar WAS AFRICAN CHAPTER ARTICLE: 2023/2024 Synopsis
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