CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – The African Chapter of the World Aquaculture Society (WAS-AC) is pleased to welcome Dr. Khalid Salie as its new President, along with the appointment of new members to its Executive Board of Directors. Following a successful election period in 2025, Dr. Salie, from South Africa, will lead the chapter for a two-year term effective January 2026.
Strategic Leadership and Proven Track Record
Dr. Khalid Salie, Head of the Aquaculture Unit at Stellenbosch University, brings an exceptional trajectory to the organization. He served as the founding WAS-AC Regional Director for Southern Africa (2018-2023) and has been a dedicated member of WAS since 1999. Dr. Salie takes over a vibrant chapter with a rapidly growing membership, a legacy greatly advanced by his predecessor, Dr. Foluke Areola (Nigeria), who now transitions to the WAS Global Board as President-Elect.
Joining the leadership team, Dr. Francisca Delgado from Angola has been named President-Elect of the Chapter. An experienced aquaculture professional and former National Director at the Angolan Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Dr. Delgado has served on the WAS-AC board in various capacities since 2018.
Strengthening Regional Governance
The new board structure reinforces a cross-regional approach to advancing sustainable aquaculture development across the continent. The newly elected regional directors include:
- Eastern Africa: Dr. Victoria Tarus (Kenya) has been re-elected for a second term. She will be instrumental in organizing World Aquaculture 2026 in Tanzania.
- Western Africa: Prof. Daniel Adjei-Boateng (Ghana) takes over one of the chapter’s most active regions. He is currently the coordinator for the upcoming World Aquaculture Ghana 2027.
- North Africa: Prof. Maryam El Bakali (Morocco) will lead the region, bringing extensive experience in international research and a vision to bring future AFRAQ events to Morocco.
2026 Board of Directors Structure
The official composition of the Board and its emeritus members is as follows:
| Position | Name | Country |
| President (Excom) | Dr. Khalid Salie | South Africa |
| President-Elect / Secretary (Excom) | Dr. Francisca Delgado | Angola |
| Immediate Past President (Excom) | Dr. Foluke Areola | Nigeria |
| Treasurer (Excom) | Dr. Bernice Mclean | South Africa |
| Regional Director (Eastern Africa) | Dr. Victoria Tarus | Kenya |
| Regional Director (Central Africa) | Dr. Judith Makombu | Cameroon |
| Regional Director (Southern Africa) | Ms. Alushe Hitula | Namibia |
| Regional Director (West Africa) | Dr. Daniel Adjei-Boateng | Ghana |
| Regional Director (North Africa) | Prof. Maryam Elbakali | Morocco |
| Strategic Advisor | Dr. Kevan Main | USA |
Emeritus Body: The Chapter extends its sincere appreciation to long-serving members who will remain in emeritus positions, including Dr. John Walakira (Uganda) and Dr. Sherif Sadek (Egypt) as Presidents Emeritus.
For more information regarding the upcoming World Aquaculture Tanzania 2026, please visit: https://was.org/meeting/code/AFRAQ26. More information: 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.
