The Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO), is a specialized institution of the East African Community (EAC) mandated to coordinate the sustainable management and development of fisheries and aquaculture in the region. As part of the World Aquaculture Safari, the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO) will convene a high-level special session to foster dialogue with development partners on advancing aquaculture in the East African Community (EAC) region. This session aims to highlight investment opportunities, share experiences, and explore collaborative pathways to unlock the sector’s potential for economic growth, food security, and livelihoods improvement. The session will feature a panel discussion comprising key donors and development agencies, providing a platform for partners to present their priorities and support mechanisms for aquaculture development.

Program

From 9:00 am to 10:20 am

1. Presentations

• Acoustic Target Strength Modeling of Caridina nilotica to Improve Biomass Estimates For Sustainable Aquaculture, Fisheries, and Conservation in Lake Victoria by Ongore Collins -20min (15min presentation and 5min questions)

• Genetic Characterization and Interspecies Gene Flow among the Oreochromis species in the Lake Victoria and Kyoga Basins, Uganda: Implications For Conservation by Hecht Thomas-20min (15min presentation and 5min questions)

• Mass Fish Mortalities on Lake Victoria: An Escalating Age-Old Phenomenon Magnified By Aquaculture? By Ssekyanzi Athanasius -20min (15min presentation and 5min questions)

From 10:50 am to 12:10 pm

1. PANEL DISCUSSION:

Engagement with the development partners on advancing aquaculture in EAC 60 min

Moderator: (Former Deputy Executive Secretary LVFO – Dr. ATM)

Panelists:

1. Representative from IFAD,
2. Representative from GIZ,
3. Representative from FAO
4. Representative from EU
5. Representative from AU IBAR
6. Representative from EAC
7. Representative from W Bank

Discussion Topic:

Opportunities from development partners available for aquaculture development in the EAC region,

Open Floor: Q&A and Reflections from Participants 15 min

• CLOSING REMARKS (10 mins)

LVFO (5 mins)