The demand for fish is rising globally and aquaculture can provide food, livelihoods, and significant contributions to economic improvements of African countries. The controversial issue of fish welfare is now of increasing public concern in some countries, and therefore also growing importance for fish farmers. There is clear evidence and scientific acceptance that fish are sentient organisms, possessing the ability to perceive pain . Fish farming is usually associated with intensive production practices with fish being raised in captivity for most or all their life . Staff working techniques, husbandry factors and practices, handling throughout the production cycle and operations involved in slaughter can unarguably impact fish stress and welfare. Direct e conomic benefits of fish welfare are obvious. Fish kept under good welfare conditions are less susceptible to diseases and tend to show better growth rates and food conversion, leading to a better-quality and safer product. The potential for harmonised best practices and integration of fish welfare in international regulatory frameworks and trade agreements are at present under discussion. Inclusion of fish welfare in animal protection regulations and codes of good professional aquaculture practice should be considered for ethical, compliance and economic reasons. As the African aquaculture industry takes shape, there is the need to acknowledge, promote and potentially regulate the issue of fish welfare. T his paper identifies some of the critical issues in fish culture that are relevant for fish welfare and addresses the opportunities and benefits that improved welfare conditions can represent for the development of sustainable aquaculture sector in Africa .