Women are the backbone of Africa’s blue economy, driving both capture fisheries and aquaculture. Despite their dominance in trade and processing—accounting for over 70% of these roles—women face systemic barriers, including limited access to technology, exclusion from decision-making, financial constraints, and climate vulnerabilities.
We highlight the transformative initiatives led by AWFISHNET to address these challenges.
Through advocacy, capacity building, and market access programs, AWFISHNET has empowered women across the continent, from Uganda’s hygienic processing training to Kenya’s eco-certification linkages. The call-to-action urges policymakers, the private sector, and donors to prioritize gender-responsive investments, showcasing success stories like Rwanda’s doubled output in women-led cooperatives. The future of Africa’s fisheries and aquaculture hinges on equity, resilience, and the untapped potential of women, proving that their leadership is indispensable for sustainable growth.
Keywords: women empowerment, African fisheries, aquaculture, gender equity, AWFISHNET