African Union fisheries centres meet to strengthen aquaculture and blue economy coordination

KENYA – The African Union Network of Centres of Excellence in Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Biodiversity (AUN-CEFAAB) is holding its 4th Physical Meeting in Mombasa, Kenya, from May 27 to 28, bringing together research institutions, universities and technical centres to strengthen coordination and improve support for Africa’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

The meeting is being convened under the FishGov2 Project and the Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in the African Blue Economy Project, implemented by the African Union InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) with support from the European Union and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.

Participants include African Union-endorsed Centres of Excellence, AU-IBAR, AUDA-NEPAD and sector partners. 

Discussions focus on reviewing progress since earlier meetings in Cairo, Addis Ababa and Kampala, and on agreeing on practical steps to make the network more operational, self-governing and financially sustainable.

The network was established to connect African expertise in fisheries, aquaculture, and aquatic biodiversity more effectively and to ensure that scientific knowledge supports policy development, capacity building, and practical solutions for African Union Member States.

Speaking during the opening session on behalf of AU-IBAR Director Dr Huyam Salih, Hellen Guebama said Africa already possesses strong technical expertise in the sector, but greater collaboration and coordination are needed to translate knowledge into practical impact.

“The question is no longer whether the expertise exists in Africa; it clearly does,” she said. 

“The challenge is how to better connect it, strengthen collaboration, and translate knowledge into practical impact. That is why this network matters.”

Network shifts toward operational delivery and self-governance

AUDA-NEPAD emphasised the need for the network to move beyond policy frameworks and focus on implementation support for Member States and regional institutions.

“Africa does not need policies and strategies alone. What Africa needs now are capable institutions that can help translate continental and regional frameworks into practical solutions for Member States,” AUDA-NEPAD said.

The agency outlined five priorities for the network’s future, including stronger governance structures, improved coordination between Centres of Excellence, practical support for Member States, performance-driven visibility and long-term sustainability beyond donor-funded projects.

Prof Osama Kaddour of the Faculty of Fisheries Resources at Suez University in Egypt, who chairs the network, highlighted the importance of collaboration in applied research, technology transfer and human capacity development across Africa.

During the meeting, participants are reviewing a draft operational framework that will guide the network’s future activities. 

Discussions are also covering curriculum development, equipment support, research collaboration and the role of the Centres in supporting continental fisheries and aquaculture priorities.

One of the key expected outcomes is the election of a new Bureau, including a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, General Secretary, Treasurer and Work Programme Vice-Secretary, aimed at strengthening ownership, accountability and continuity within the network.

The meeting comes as Africa’s aquatic resources face increasing pressure from climate change, overfishing, habitat degradation, illegal fishing, and the growing demand for fish and aquatic foods, intensifying the need for stronger institutions, better data, and coordinated technical support across the continent.

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