As preparations for the World Aquaculture Safari 2025 Conference (WA25 Uganda) enter the homestretch, with less than 10 days to go, the conference program is now available and will also soon be featured in the Programme Book and Programme App (WAS Meetings Assistant).
The conference, taking place at the Speke Resort Munyonyo in Entebbe, Uganda, from June 24-27, will revolve around the theme Aquaculture on the Rise. It will gather a diverse global audience, including distinguished scholars, pioneering researchers, industry experts, business leaders, policymakers, 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 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 cover 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 deliver a keynote address focusing on insights and perspectives on what Africa needs to do to improve its aquatic biosecurity management through 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 for 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), among others. In addition, training courses on Aquaponics, Aquaculture Management, Guidelines on Sustainable Aquaculture, and other sessions are expected to be featured at WA25 Uganda.
A special program dedicated to students has been organized to enhance student participation and networking among students. This includes 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 farmers, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises. The sessions will focus on strategic linkages with policymakers, developmental agencies, aquafeed manufacturers and 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 recommend aquaculture policy directions.
Pre- and post-event aquaculture tours are being organized to some of the aquaculture facilities in Uganda (along the shorelines of Lake Victoria) on June 24 and 28. These include visits to aquafeed facilities, R&D centers, and some fish farms. The international exhibition and trade show will 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 gold sponsor. Silver sponsors are AQUAGROUP, World Bank, and the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH).
Registrations and submission of abstracts are still open. For conference details, visit www.was.org. For all inquiries on WA25 Uganda, contact worldaqua@was.org or africanchapter@was.org.
