African aquaculture is rapidly growing with support from Governments, development partners and private sector. This study identifies investment and policy priorities that can advance the aquaculture sector in Africa sustainably with the aims of income and employment generation, rural development, and food security. Five successful countries were assessed to identify promising innovations or drivers that can transform the aquaculture sector in Africa. Furthermore, lessons learned will inform policy and investment priorities at the national, regional and continental levels to sustainably expand aquaculture production in Africa so that it promotes food security, employment/income generation and women empowerment. Scaling of aquaculture innovations through gender-responsive science and technology will contribute to the development of African agricultural sector.