World Aquaculture Safari 2025 Uganda unveils action-packed programme

UGANDA – With less than ten days remaining before the much-anticipated World Aquaculture Safari 2025 Uganda (WA25) kicks off, organisers have released the official conference programme grid, promising a rich, multifaceted event that will spotlight innovation, collaboration, and the role of development partners in Africa’s growing aquaculture sector.

The event will take place from June 24 to 27 at the Speke Resort Munyonyo in Entebbe under the theme “Aquaculture on the Rise.” 

WA25 Uganda will bring together over 400 speakers and participants, including leading scholars, industry experts, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world, to discuss solutions, trends, and policy innovations in aquaculture.

A global convergence of minds

Organised by the World Aquaculture Society and hosted by the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), WA25 will serve as a continental and global platform for stakeholders to share knowledge and forge strategic alliances.

“Aquaculture Africa Conferences have become strategic meeting hubs for developmental agencies, NGOs and institutions in Africa – where they can hold plenary talks, special meetings, seminars, strategic forums and satellite workshops of African and global aquaculture projects and activities,” organisers stated.

The packed programme includes parallel sessions in English, French, and Portuguese covering a broad spectrum of aquaculture topics. 

These sessions will feature oral and poster presentations drawn from a wide array of disciplines, reflecting the continent’s need for multi-sectoral solutions to aquaculture development.

Insightful keynote and high-level engagement

Among the highlights will be a keynote address by Dr. Melba Reantaso, former FAO Team Leader, Fisheries and Aquaculture Division. 

Her address will offer “insights and perspectives on what Africa needs to do to improve its aquatic biosecurity management through risk-based, collaborative and progressive approaches to safeguard human health, the environment and national economies in the face of a rapidly changing world.”

The opening ceremony and plenary session will feature high-level delegates from Uganda and other African countries, setting the tone for a week of dialogue and action.

Spotlight on development partners and the private sector

WA25 is being strongly supported by both public and private sector players. The EU-funded TRUEFISH Project, managed by the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organisation (LVFO), is the event’s lead sponsor.

GIZ is the Gold Sponsor, while AQUAGROUP, World Bank and the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) are Silver Sponsors.

Workshops and forums will be hosted by key partners, including AUDA-NEPAD, AU-IBAR, FAO, WISSH, WAVMA, Aquaculture Network for Africa (ANAF), African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFISHNET), and commercial players like Aller Aqua, Huvepharma, Skretting, and the African Aquaculture Business Leaders Network (AABLN).

Students and farmers in focus

Recognising the need to nurture the next generation of aquaculture professionals, WA25 will feature a dedicated student programme. 

This includes a student reception, oral and poster presentations, contests, mentorship sessions, and networking opportunities designed to inspire and engage young minds.

Additionally, the conference will host dedicated Farmers Sessions for micro, small, and medium-scale aquaculture producers. 

These sessions aim to “focus on strategic linkages with policy makers, developmental agencies, aquafeeds manufacturers/distributors and technology suppliers,” to empower farmers through dialogue, case studies, and policy recommendations.

Exhibitions and tours to showcase innovation

Complementing the conference sessions is an expansive international exhibition and trade show featuring nearly 100 organisations showcasing cutting-edge technologies and services.

Participants will also have the opportunity to join aquaculture tours to selected facilities along Lake Victoria on June 24 and 28. These include visits to aquafeed factories, research centres, and commercial fish farms, offering practical insights into Uganda’s aquaculture landscape.

WA25 Uganda promises a holistic, immersive experience for everyone involved in aquaculture, from researchers and policymakers to farmers and students. 

With registrations and abstract submissions still open, the event presents a timely opportunity for stakeholders to influence the future of sustainable aquaculture in Africa.

All programme details and updates are available at www.was.org/meeting/code/afraq25. 

“We look forward to welcoming you to Entebbe, Uganda for an enriching experience filled with innovation, learning, collaboration, social networking, touristic connection and much more,” the organisers said in a press release. 

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