Promoting Ethical and Sustainable Aquaculture in Africa

Africa Fish and Aquaculture Welfare (AFIWEL) Program

About Us

The AFIWEL Program is a pan-African initiative that is supporting ethical, welfare-driven, safe and sustainable aquatic life and production systems across Africa.

The project is a scale-up of our previous successful pilot activities in Nigeria to research and establish a framework for education, capacity building and implementation of good fish health and welfare practices into aquaculture production systems.

The project also hosts the AFIWEL Fellowship and the bi-annual AQUAWEL Conference.

Why Aquatic Animal Welfare Matters

Sentience & Compassion

Fish and other farmed aquatic animals are sentient beings capable of feeling pain, stress, and discomfort.

Food Security with Integrity

Healthy aquatic populations are critical for food security, especially as Africa’s demand for nutritious, responsibly-sourced food grows.

Sustainable Stewardship

Ethical fish farming isn’t just about production; it’s about preserving aquatic health, ensuring ecosystem balance, and safeguarding the natural habitats that sustain life.

Economic Growth with Responsibility

Investing in robust, welfare-focused aquaculture systems improve trade relations, drives market expansion, and sustains livelihoods

AFIWEL Fellowship

The AFIWEL Fellowship is a pan-African capacity building, community building and field implementation program for professionals with skills and expertise in fisheries and aquaculture. The first cohort of AFIWEL Fellows was established in January 2025 with focus on the following countries: Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, Tunisia, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, and South Africa (which are 8 of the highest fish-producing countries in Africa)

AQUAWEL Conference

The Africa Aquatic Animal Welfare (AQUAWEL) Conference is Africa’s premier platform dedicated to advancing fish and aquatic animal welfare. The inaugural edition was held on July 17–18, 2025, setting the stage for a bi-annual gathering of experts, policymakers, farmers, and innovators. Together, they shape ethical, sustainable, and climate-resilient aquaculture systems across the continent. From cutting-edge research to policy action, AQUAWEL is driving Africa’s leadership in building a compassionate and thriving blue economy.