ANAF recognizes MOSFA is one of key role players in sustainable aquaculture development in Africa

THE participation of a member of the Media Observatory for Sustainable Fisheries in Africa (MOSFA) at the three-day 2nd General Congress of the Aquaculture Network of Africa which was held in Naivasha (Kenya) from the 15th -17th of January 2024, is a clear sign and proof that the African Union (AU) recognizes the role that MOSFA – as an associate member – is playing a crucial role towards the promotion of sustainable aquaculture in Africa.
At the congress, MOSFA was represented by its President, Léonce Landry Aissoun, who was invited to the congress by AU-IBAR. With the involvement of associate members and the active participation of ANAF members, a new dynamic will be established to develop aquaculture in Africa and strengthen its contribution to the fight against poverty and food insecurity.
According to the African Union -InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), which organized the congress, the gathering also offers the opportunity to present major objectives of ANAF for the years to come as well as to elect a new executive officer and new steering committee, thus guaranteeing the proper functioning of the organization.
The congress was a major step for the future of aquaculture in Africa and was attended by over 100 delegates from AU Members States, Regional Economic Communities, Fisheries Bodies, Intergovernmental Organizations, alongside a spectrum of stakeholders from civil society organizations and specialized institutions.
ANAF emerged post the 2005 Fish For All Summit, propelled by the imperative need for a robust regional network of aquaculture policy practitioners. The congress, will also strive to develop a strategic action aimed at effectively developing aquaculture in Africa. The Media Observatory for Sustainable Fisheries in Africa (MOSFA), which is also represented at the congress says its presence as an associate member is a proof that the AU recognizes the commitment of the organization to contribute to the promotion of sustainable aquaculture in Africa.
MOSFA is a non-profit making network of journalists and media practitioners in over 48 African countries, making an impact through communication, collaboration and endeavors to influence good governance of the fisheries.
Says AU-IBAR, the congress was held under the African Union project entitled “Enhancing sustainable fisheries management and aquaculture development in Africa: A programme for accelerated reform of the sector,” adding that, it is supporting the actualization of ANAF’s vision for the sustainable aquaculture development in Africa, to ensure that African nations receive essential support, tools and collaborative platforms to enhance their aquaculture sectors in ways that are inclusive, environmentally responsible and conducive to holistic socio-economic advancement.
ANAF is playing a role in promoting knowledge uptake, sustainable aquaculture and advocating for policy change, which aligns with AU frameworks such as the African Union Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for fisheries and aquaculture (PFRS) and the Africa Blue Economy Strategy.
In 2014 African heads of States adopted a Policy Framework and Reform Strategy on Fisheries and Aquaculture (PFRS), which provides strategic guidance for developing and promoting these sectors in Africa. One of the actions that resulted from the PFRS to accelerate the fisheries and aquaculture sector was a five-year project entitled ‘Enhancing sustainable fisheries management and aquaculture development in Africa’ (better known as Fish Gov 2 project).
Running from 2021 – 2025, the overall management and coordination of the project is being implemented the African Union’s InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-AIBAR) in close collaboration with the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD).
The overall objectives of the project are to enhance sustainable fisheries and aquaculture contribution towards achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063 objectives, notably in terms of food security, livelihoods and wealth creation. The project is financially supported by the European Union (EU). The Fish Gov 2 project is a follow-up of the first phase of the Fisheries Governance Project (Fish Gov 1) which was also supported by the EU and ran between 2014 – 2018.