African aquaculture opens new Chapter

THE formation of the African Chapter of the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) was officially completed this week. Its remit is to operate throughout the continent and promote the growth of the industry.
The Danish owned feed company Aller Aqua, which has a significant presence in Africa, announced it would sponsor the new African Chapter for its first three years.
Niels Lundgaard, Aller Aqua’s commercial director for Africa, said: ‘It is important for us to continue to have a positive impact on aquaculture globally.
‘Aquaculture is experiencing significant growth, particularly in Africa, and it is vital to support initiatives which help ensure that growth of aquaculture is facilitated all over Africa.
‘This is done through research, as well as sharing knowledge. Besides our own activities, we can help achieve this through our support of the WAS African Chapter and their efforts.
‘I am pleased that WAS have chosen to focus on aquaculture in Africa and through the African chapter recognise the large diversity on the continent.’
Aller Aqua has built feed mills in Egypt and Zambia. The CEO of Aller Aqua Egypt, Hussien Mansour, was positive about the new cooperation.
‘It is good to see the focus African aquaculture is experiencing. We see the growth first hand when talking to customers and we experience a great interest in our feeds.
‘This has enabled us to double our production facilities. The African Chapter of the WAS will increase focus and capabilities within the sector, as well as ensure further spread of an environmentally friendly method of producing protein for our growing population.’
Lewis Ngwenya, CEO of Aller Aqua Zambia, which opened its factory last year, said: ‘I truly believe that the African Chapter will make a positive difference for increased knowledge and research in aquaculture in Africa.
‘We see many fish farmers who are eager to increase their businesses and thereby make a positive contribution to the local society, as well as their own earnings.
‘We have therefore created a learning centre by our factory, as well as a research module. At the same time, we have signed a memorandum of understanding with Worldfish.
‘Our companies will cooperate to strengthen the aquaculture sector through R&D to create increased benefits for resource-poor parties in the value chain.’
The president of the interim board of the WAS African Chapter is Dr Sherif Sadek from Egypt. Dr John Walakira from Uganda is the interim president elect; Dr Flower Msuya from Tanzania is the interim treasurer; Zukiswa Nkhereanye is the interim secretary; and Blessing Mapfumo is the AC secretariat.
Picture: CEO of Aller Aqua Egypt, Hussien Mansour