With over a decade of experience designing and implementing aquaculture-focused public-private partnerships (PPPs) across Africa and Asia, Larive International offers practical insights into how collaborative models can drive sustainable growth in the sector. This presentation will draw on our broader PPP experience, with a particular focus on two flagship initiatives in East Africa—FoodTechAfrica and Samaki Poa. These projects demonstrate how effective multi-stakeholder collaboration can be translated into concrete outcomes in aquaculture production, capacity development, and regional food security.
FoodTechAfrica (2012–2021), brought together 21 companies and academic institutions to develop a fully integrated aquaculture value chain across Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Achievements include the establishment of hatcheries, feed production facilities, fish farms, and vocational training hubs. The project also led to the creation of the Aquaculture Academy, which continues to build local technical capacity and promote best practices through initiatives such as the Best Fish Farmer Competition in Kenya.
Samaki Poa (2022–2026), supported by Norway, focuses on digital innovation and localized training to enhance productivity and reduce dependency on fish imports in Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. The PPP leverages the expertise of private companies and training partners to improve capacity building and access to knowledge, access to quality inputs, and create sustainable employment opportunities.
This presentation will offer insights into the enabling conditions for successful PPPs, common implementation barriers, and practical approaches to adaptive program design. It will underscore the critical role of long-term capacity building and context-specific innovation in achieving sustainable outcomes. Drawing from our experience, including the challenges encountered and the innovative strategies we’ve applied—we aim to foster an open dialogue that informs future PPP strategies and strengthens collaboration among stakeholders committed to scaling aquaculture. Achieving lasting impact requires intentional design, strong local ownership, and the ability to adapt creatively to evolving needs and realities.