African regional institutions have concluded a landmark three-day meeting in Entebbe, committing to stronger collaboration between the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) to unlock the continent’s vast potential in inter- and intra-regional trade in fish and aquatic products.
The 8th General Assembly of the African Platform for Regional Institutions in Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Systems (APRIFAAS), hosted by the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Agriculture animal industry and fisheries (MAAIF) in partnership with AU-IBAR, gathered RECs, Regional Fisheries Bodies (RFBs), Member States, and development partners under the theme: “The AfCFTA and RECs Instruments to Facilitate Inter and Intra-regional Trade in Aquatic Products: Opportunity for Enhancing Regional Cooperation and Coordination.”
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Joseph Bwanika, Commissioner for Aquaculture Management and Development at MAAIF, emphasised the urgency of the moment:
“Uganda is proud to host this Assembly. The AfCFTA provides us with a historic opportunity to turn Africa from a net importer to a leading exporter of fish and aquatic products. This requires deliberate coordination between RECs and national governments to remove barriers and add value along the entire supply chain.”
Dr. Yoseph Mamo, representing the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), echoed the call for unity:
“COMESA is fully committed to aligning its trade instruments with AfCFTA rules. Harmonised standards, mutual recognition of certifications, and improved cross-border infrastructure are no longer optional—they are essential if we are to see real growth in intra-African fish trade,” he stated.
Key outcomes included the presentation and endorsement-in-principle of the draft APRIFAAS Strategic Action Plan and Resource Mobilisation Strategy (2025–2026), intensified commitments to information-sharing among regional bodies, and the showcasing of best practices from various RECs and RFBs.
Delegates also undertook a field visit to Ugandan aquaculture farms and value-addition facilities, witnessing first-hand innovations in tilapia and catfish processing that are already boosting exports.
Participants reaffirmed APRIFAAS as Africa’s unifying platform for enhanced governance, collaboration, and sustainable expansion of fisheries and aquaculture trade across the continent.