Last friday, November 22, 2024, marked the successful conclusion of AFRAQ2024, the 3rd Annual International Conference and Exhibition hosted by the African Chapter of the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) in Hammamet, Tunisia. The event, themed “Blue Aquaculture: New Horizons for Economic Growth”, brought together over a thousand participants, including researchers, policymakers, private-sector leaders, and development organizations. Mozambique, with the support of  MAMAP Project, implemented by UNIDO and funded by Norad, played a prominent role in shaping the discussions and outcomes of the conference. 

Mozambique’s delegation, led by representatives from government, academia, and the private sector, actively participated in key thematic sessions, workshops, and exhibitions. The country showcased its aquaculture projects, including the MAMAP initiative, which focuses on enhancing the capacities of local aquaculture producers to meet international standards. 

During the WAS-PALOP Side Event, Mozambique highlighted its collaborative efforts with other Portuguese-speaking African countries (PALOP), emphasizing shared challenges and opportunities. Case studies on successful aquaculture initiatives in Mozambique, presented at this event, underscored the country’s growing expertise in the field. 

One of the standout features of AFRAQ2024 was the aquaculture tours, where participants visited state-of-the-art marine farms, R&D centers, and feed production facilities in Tunisia. These visits offered valuable insights into scalable practices that Mozambique can adopt to enhance its own aquaculture sector. 

As AFRAQ2024 concludes, Mozambique is poised to leverage the knowledge, partnerships, and technologies gained at the conference. With UNIDO’s continued support, the country aims to scale up its aquaculture production, improve sustainability practices, and strengthen regional cooperation through platforms like WAS-PALOP. 

The success of AFRAQ2024 reaffirms the vital role of international collaboration in addressing global challenges and creating sustainable solutions. Mozambique’s active involvement in the event highlights its commitment to becoming a leader in aquaculture, contributing to Africa’s vision of a thriving Blue Economy.