As preparations for the World Aquaculture Safari 2025 Conference (WA25 Uganda) enters the homestretch, with less than 10 days to go, we are excited to announce the Conference Programme Grid is now live on WAS webpage and will also soon feature on the Programme Book and Programme App (WAS Meetings Assistant).
The Conference, which is taking place at the Speke Resort Munyonyo in Entebbe, UGANDA, from June 24-27, will revolve around the theme “Aquaculture on the Rise” and will gather a diverse global audience, including distinguished scholars, pioneering researchers, industry experts, business leaders, policy makers and devoted practitioners. This convergence of diverse minds will facilitate a vibrant exchange of ideas, innovative solutions, and emerging trends across multiple sectors of aquaculture.
The event will feature a dynamic lineup of presentations (from over 400 abstracts), including an Opening Ceremony and Plenary Session to be graced by the high-level delegates from Uganda and other African countries. Parallel sessions will feature both oral and poster presentations in English, French, and Portuguese. The Conference Brochure includes a range of session topics that covers almost all aspects of aquaculture. The complete list of session topics can be found in the Conference brochure. This diverse range of subjects reflects the conference’s commitment to addressing Africa’s aquaculture challenges from multiple perspectives. Some special session concepts can be viewed here.
Dr. Melba Reantaso, (former FAO Team Leader, Fisheries and Aquaculture Division) will give a Keynote address that focuses on insights and perspectives on what Africa needs to do to improve its aquatic biosecurity management through a risk-based, collaborative and progressive approaches to safeguard human health, the environment and national economies in the face of a rapidly changing world.
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. Some workshops and seminars are lined up by some of the Conference’s key sponsors and partners such as Lake Victoria Fisheries Organisation (LVFO), African Union (AUDA-NEPAD and AU-IBAR), World Bank, GIZ, FAO, World Initiative in Soy in Human Health (WISSH), WAVMA, Aquaculture Network on Africa (ANAF), African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFISHNET) and by private sector entities such as Aller Aqua, Huverpharma, Skretting and the African Aquaculture Business Leaders Network (AABLN) and others. In addition, training courses on Aquaponics, Aquaculture Management, Guidelines on Sustainable Aquaculture and other sessions are expected to feature at WA25 Uganda.
A special programme dedicated for students has been organised to enhance student participation and networking amongst students. This is composed of a special student reception, student presentations (poster/oral), student contests/awards, career mentorship sessions, networking opportunities and much more.
WA25 Uganda will offer dedicated Farmers Sessions targeting aquaculture producers/farmers especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The sessions will focus on strategic linkages with policy makers, developmental agencies, aquafeeds manufacturers/distributors and technology suppliers. Through case studies and panel discussions the sessions provide an opportunity for farmers to network, exchange ideas, and learn about new technologies and practices – and to recommend aquaculture policy directions.
Pre and post event aquaculture tours are being organised to some of the aquaculture facilities in Uganda (along the shorelines of Lake Victoria) on 24th and 28th June. These include visits to aquafeeds facilities, R&D Centres and some fish farms. The international exhibition and trade show will undoubtedly be a major attraction where nearly 100 international organizations will present their latest technologies, products and services.
WA25 is hosted by the government of the Republic of Uganda (through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries – MAAIF). The EU-funded TRUEFISH Project, overseen by the LVFO is the lead sponsor for the event. The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) is the proud Gold Sponsor. Silver Sponsors are AQUAGROUP, World Bank and the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH).
In summary, WA25 Uganda is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about the future of African aquaculture! Engaging with diverse stakeholders and contributing to the dialogue on sustainable aquaculture issues, attendees can play a vital role in shaping the future of African aquaculture.
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.
Registrations and submission of abstracts are still open. All conference details will be updated on the event page on https://www.was.org/meeting/code/afraq25. For all enquiries on WA25 Uganda contact worldaqua@was.org or africanchapter@was.org.
Editor at the digital magazine AquaHoy. He holds a degree in Aquaculture Biology from the National University of Santa (UNS) and a Master’s degree in Science and Innovation Management from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, with postgraduate diplomas in Business Innovation and Innovation Management. He possesses extensive experience in the aquaculture and fisheries sector, having led the Fisheries Innovation Unit of the National Program for Innovation in Fisheries and Aquaculture (PNIPA). He has served as a senior consultant in technology watch, an innovation project formulator and advisor, and a lecturer at UNS. He is a member of the Peruvian College of Biologists and was recognized by the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) in 2016 for his contribution to aquaculture.
