1,800+ attendees make waves at World Aquaculture Safari 2025 in Uganda

UGANDA – The World Aquaculture Safari 2025 concluded successfully on June 27 at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Uganda, drawing 1,847 participants from 79 countries, making it the largest aquaculture-focused event ever held on African soil. 

Held over four days (June 24–27), the conference featured 61 technical sessions, 99 poster presentations, and 77 exhibitor booths, offering an unparalleled platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and investment.

Organised to spotlight Africa’s growing role in global aquaculture, the event attracted researchers, government officials, industry players, and investors under one roof. 

The event centred on unlocking investment, technology, and policy solutions to accelerate sustainable aquaculture growth across Africa and beyond.

“The event was a clear reflection of the growing interest aquaculture is receiving across the continent,” said a representative from the Feed Business MEA team. “There’s a tremendous amount of research, innovation, and new partnerships coming into the sector. Forums like these are essential if Africa is to realise its aquaculture potential fully.”

Feed industry shows strong presence

Among the exhibitors and session sponsors were key fish feed producers such as De Heus Uganda, Aller Aqua, Tunga Nutrition (Skretting) and Livestock Feed Limited, as well as aquafeed input suppliers like Essential Drugs Limited, who also sponsored one of the sessions. 

Their participation signalled growing private-sector interest in Africa’s aquaculture transformation.

The exhibition floor bustled with technology showcases, product demos, and business matchmaking activities. 

Companies focused on feed innovation, sustainable inputs, and production efficiency shared solutions tailored to local and regional contexts.

World Bank and WWF unveil major aquaculture investment report

A highlight of the event was the launch of the World Bank and the World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) landmark report, “Harnessing the Waters – A Trillion Dollar Investment Opportunity in Sustainable Aquaculture,” unveiled during a high-level Finance and Investment Workshop at the Speke Resort Convention Centre.

The report presents two future growth scenarios for global aquaculture: a “business-as-usual” investment path of US$0.5 trillion leading to 159 million metric tons of output and up to 14 million new jobs by 2050, and a more ambitious US$1.5 trillion investment that could boost production to 255 million metric tons and generate up to 22 million jobs.

“To realise aquaculture’s full potential, we must shift toward practices that are not only productive, but also environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, and economically viable,” said Genevieve Connors, Acting Global Director for Environment at the World Bank.

Sergio Nates, Senior Director for Aquaculture at WWF, emphasised that “aquaculture is among the most sustainable ways to produce animal protein and will be essential in feeding the world’s growing population.”

The report draws on lessons from seven leading aquaculture countries, including China, Chile, and Egypt, and aims to guide financial institutions, investors, and governments on how to scale aquaculture through sustainable investment models.

Spotlight on inclusion and innovation

Notably, the conference also showcased Africa’s diversity and talent. Sessions like the African Women in Aquaculture panel put a spotlight on inclusive growth and leadership. 

Expert speakers such as Dr. Harrison Charo-Karisa, Dr. Winnie Nkalubo, Serge Mayaka, and Stephen McGoldrick enriched discussions on financing, research, and policy.

As the conference closed, the sentiment across stakeholders was clear: Africa is no longer a spectator in the aquaculture space, it is a driver. With new investments, stronger public-private partnerships, and bold policy thinking, the continent is poised to lead the next wave of sustainable aquatic food production.

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