World Aquaculture 2017, the first international conference and exposition of the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) to be held on the African continent, will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre June 26-30, 2017. This year’s annual meeting is co-organized by WAS with the Aquaculture Association of Southern Africa (AASA) and the South African Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF).
The conference theme, “Sustainable Aquaculture – New Frontiers for Economic Growth – Spotlight on Africa” highlights the potential of aquaculture production to support economic development and investment opportunities in Africa - the world’s second fastest growing regional economy.
Organizers are pleased to present a five-day program entitled “Spotlight on Africa” that includes an opening ceremony plenary address by Guinean President Alpha Condé, Chairman of the African Union and African Union special ambassador for aquaculture. On the first full-day of the conference, two plenary addresses will be given: Dr. Rohanna Subasinghe, former chief of Aquaculture for FAO, will speak on “Feeding the Nine Billion: the Role of Aquaculture” followed by Dr. Sloans Chimatiro, Acting Country Director with WorldFish Zambia, speaking on “African Perspectives on Aquaculture”. In recognition of the early developmental stage of African Aquaculture, special sessions on Developing African Aquaculture Value Chains, Financing African Aquaculture and African Aquaculture Policy Day will be presented by the African Union, NEPAD, World Bank and WorldFish.
The trade show will feature over 90 exhibitors and the WAS Scientific Program at the conference features 70 sessions that will be conducted over four days, covering a diverse array of aquaculture-related topics and speakers, as well as a dedicated poster session.
Representing the coming of age of African aquaculture and a significant milestone for the global aquaculture community, WAS will host a meeting to launch the formation of a WAS Africa Chapter on Tuesday afternoon following the Spotlight on Africa program.
World Aquaculture 2017 has attracted wide sponsorship and support from African development institutions including the South African Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the African Union and NEPAD, and the WorldFish Centre. The industry Gold Sponsor is the Aller Aqua group from Denmark which has made significant investment and commitment to developing the aquafeed industry in Africa.
