Foluke Areola becomes first African to lead World Aquaculture Society

NIGERIA – Dr Foluke Areola has officially assumed office as President of the World Aquaculture Society (WAS), becoming the first African and the first African woman to lead the global organisation in its more than five-decade history.

Areola took office on June 2, 2026, following her election as president-elect and after serving as President of the African Chapter of the World Aquaculture Society. 

Her appointment marks a significant milestone for Africa’s aquaculture sector at a time when the continent is increasingly positioning itself as a key contributor to global aquatic food production, innovation and food security.

In a statement following her assumption of office, Areola said she would focus on strengthening international collaboration, advancing aquatic animal health and welfare, supporting climate-resilient aquaculture systems and increasing opportunities for youth, women and small-scale producers.

“This moment is not merely a personal milestone; it is a reflection of the collective aspirations of countless colleagues, mentors, institutions, farmers, researchers, students, development partners and aquaculture communities across Africa and the world who believe in a more inclusive, sustainable, science-driven and humane future for aquaculture,” she said.

Areola added that she remains committed to ensuring emerging aquaculture regions are more effectively represented within global industry discussions while strengthening partnerships across regions.

Appointment signals growing influence of African aquaculture

The appointment comes as Africa’s aquaculture industry continues to expand, driven by growing demand for fish protein, increasing investment in production systems and greater emphasis on food security across the continent.

Areola brings decades of experience in fisheries and aquaculture policy, aquatic animal health, trade regulation and sector development. 

Throughout her career, she has held senior positions within Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, including Acting Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture and Director of Fisheries Quarantine.

In those roles, she contributed to fisheries management reforms, aquaculture development programmes, aquatic animal health systems and international fish trade regulations. 

She also played a role in strengthening fisheries data collection, promoting sustainable fisheries management, and supporting the development of Nigeria’s aquaculture value chain.

Beyond government service, Areola has worked extensively as an international consultant on fisheries, aquaculture and aquatic animal health projects with organisations including the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the Fishery Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

Her elevation to the global presidency follows her leadership of the WAS African Chapter, where she helped strengthen the organisation’s presence across the continent and supported preparations for major international aquaculture events.

More leadership changes

Earlier this year, the African Chapter confirmed a new leadership team headed by Dr Khalid Salie of South Africa, who succeeded Areola as chapter president while she moved into the global leadership structure.

The timing of her appointment is particularly significant as Africa prepares to host two major industry gatherings. 

World Aquaculture 2026 is scheduled to take place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, while World Aquaculture Ghana 2027 will bring the international aquaculture community to Accra the following year.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the appointment as recognition of Africa’s growing importance within the global aquaculture sector and as an opportunity to amplify the perspectives of producers, researchers and policymakers from emerging aquaculture regions.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.