WEBINARS
Webinars and Structured Knowledge Exchange
The AFIWEL Webinar Series is based on our implementation strategy to increase public understanding of fish welfare, food safety, and the value of ethically produced fish, driving demand and cultural shifts. AFIWEL delivers virtual webinars as part of its regional knowledge exchange strategy. Hundreds of participants including policymakers, researchers, veterinarians, fish farmers, private sector actors, and international partners participate. The sessions strengthen understanding of fish welfare, support policy integration, and promote practical application across African aquaculture systems.
2 October, 2025
Are We Doing Enough? Advancing Fish Health and Welfare for Sustainable Aquaculture
Are you a policymaker, veterinarian, aquaculture producer, researcher, welfare advocate, or stakeholder driving change in the aquaculture sector? Then join us for this enlightening webinar.
This webinar will explore how advancing both fish health and welfare through a One Health lens can transform aquaculture into a more ethical, productive, and sustainable sector.
The panelists will
- Highlight the vital link between fish health, welfare, and sustainable aquaculture.
- Present best practices and case studies that connect disease prevention with ethical care.
- Promote strengthening networks and commitments to embed health and welfare in aquaculture strategies.
Our Panelists include:
Dr. Nadia Chérif (Tunisia) 🇹🇳
Head of the Fish & Shellfish Health Diagnostic Section at INSTM
She leads a team researching viral pathogens in fish, developing innovative diagnostic tools, and advancing biosecurity. She also contributes her expertise as part of AU-IBAR, WAS–Africa, CNVZ, and FAO/GFCM.
Dr. John Walakira (Uganda) 🇺🇬
Principal Scientist at NARO with over 20 years in aquaculture research, management, and policy
He has spearheaded sustainable technologies, mentored scientists and farmers, published widely, and shaped regional and international frameworks on aquatic health and food security.
Dr. Elysee Nzohabonayo (Burundi) 🇧🇮
Director of Aquaculture Management & Development at LVFO and Regional TRUEFISH Coordinator
He is driving aquaculture governance, policy reform, and private sector engagement across East Africa, advancing capacity building and the blue economy.
Steve Moran (United Kingdom) 🇬🇧
Co-founder and Group Aquaculture Officer of Victory Farms, the world’s fastest-growing sustainable fish business in Kenya and Rwanda
With a background in scaling large aquaculture ventures, he has created 10,000+ jobs and supplies affordable, nutritious fish to millions, setting new benchmarks for sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Duration: 1h 59m 59s
4 September, 2025
From Policy to Practice: Integrating Fish Welfare into Sustainable Aquaculture Frameworks
This session will explore pathways for embedding fish welfare into national policies, regulatory frameworks, and One Health–aligned governance. We will also delve into compliance challenges, inter-ministerial coordination, and policy reform opportunities.
Our Experts would shine a light on:
- The importance and urgency of integrating fish welfare into national fisheries, aquaculture, and animal welfare frameworks.
- Key policy gaps and challenges hindering the inclusion of fish welfare within Africa’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
- Regional and international best practices which support fish welfare policy integration in fisheries and aquaculture.
Our Esteemed Panelists include:
Prof. Sloans Chimatiro 🇲🇼
President, AU Policy Research Network for Fisheries & Aquaculture in Africa
Currently President of the African Union Policy Research Network for Fisheries & Aquaculture, he has led major initiatives including AU-NEPAD’s Fish For All Summit, CAMFA, and the AU Policy Framework & Reform Strategy for Fisheries & Aquaculture.
Dr. Bernice McLean 🇿🇦
Senior Programme Officer, Blue Economy, African Union Development Agency
She is currently leading the Blue Economy Unit at AUDA-NEPAD. Since 2016, she has supported AU Member States and partners in advancing Blue Economy initiatives that drive wealth creation, income opportunities, and innovation across key sectors.
Dr. Nazael Amos Madalla 🇹🇿
Director of Aquaculture, Tanzanian Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries
He is the Director of Aquaculture at Tanzania’s Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries with over 20 years’ experience in academia, research, policy, and practice. Holding a PhD in Aquaculture Nutrition, he has over 40 publications on sustainable feeds, climate adaptation, and value chains, and plays a key role in aligning scientific research with national aquaculture development and animal welfare standards.
Dr. Ana Menezes 🇲🇿
Senior Fisheries Officer, FAO; Specialist in Aquaculture & Environment and Governance
Currently an FAO Senior Fisheries Officer advocating for sustainable, profitable aquaculture through best practices, capacity development, and governance frameworks, she has worked extensively across sub-Saharan Africa to tackle food insecurity and poverty, with prior roles at UNEP and Mozambique’s Ministry of Environmental Affairs, and has received multiple international awards for her contributions.
Duration: 1h 51m 42s
30 July, 2025
Fish Farm Financing: Unlocking Opportunities Through Standards and Market Readiness
Are you a fish farmer, investor, or aquaculture stakeholder seeking support with funding, market access, and sustainable growth? Do you understand the critical role of compliance and standards for responsible welfare-driven aquaculture?
Gain expert insights on:
- What makes a fish farm investment-ready
- The compliance standards that enhance investments and open markets
- Proven strategies for sustainable aquaculture growth across Africa
Panelists include:
Dr. Harrison Karisa 🇰🇪
Aquaculture Specialist at the World Bank
an Aquaculture Specialist at the World Bank who leads the AquaInvest Platform to strengthen aquaculture ecosystems through sustainable financing and climate-smart management practices.
Mayor Fisho P. Mwale 🇿🇲
Founder and Chairman of Yalelo Ltd
The founder and Chairman of Yalelo Ltd, one of Africa’s most successful aquaculture companies, promoting scalable solutions to food security and sustainable compliance-driven aquaculture.
Pierre Murekezi 🇷🇼
Policy Expert at FAO
Policy export at FAO who supports governments in aquaculture strategy development, investment planning, and responsible value chain growth through the FAO Blue Transformation framework.
Friday Nwokolo 🇳🇬
Finance Expert at the FCMB Group
Works in the banking sector to promote access to finance and compliance with ESG standards for underserved agro-communities.
- The webinar will examine the role of finance and investment in scaling welfare-aligned aquaculture.
Duration: 1h 57m 44s
15 July, 2025
RORE Digital Platform Demonstration: RORE for Aquaculture
Join our informative live session where you will learn how to use RORE, our multilingual AI-powered platform that provides reliable answers, referrals, and support for your fish and aquaculture needs.
Discover how RORE can help you:
- Keep clear and accessible fish farm records.
- Get real-time answers on fish health, welfare, and farm management.
- Connect you with aquaculture experts and professionals near you.
- Strengthen your market readiness and unlock new trade opportunities
Duration: 1h 04m 21s
Our Panelists include:
Dr. Nadia Chérif (Tunisia)
Head of the Fish & Shellfish Health Diagnostic Section at INSTM
She leads a team researching viral pathogens in fish, developing innovative diagnostic tools, and advancing biosecurity. She also contributes her expertise as part of AU-IBAR, WAS–Africa, CNVZ, and FAO/GFCM.
Dr. John Walakira (Uganda)
Principal Scientist at NARO with over 20 years in aquaculture research, management, and policy
He has spearheaded sustainable technologies, mentored scientists and farmers, published widely, and shaped regional and international frameworks on aquatic health and food security.
Dr. Elysee Nzohabonayo (Burundi)
Director of Aquaculture Management & Development at LVFO and Regional TRUEFISH Coordinator
He is driving aquaculture governance, policy reform, and private sector engagement across East Africa, advancing capacity building and the blue economy.
Steve Moran (United Kingdom)
Co-founder and Group Aquaculture Officer of Victory Farms, the world’s fastest-growing sustainable fish business in Kenya and Rwanda
With a background in scaling large aquaculture ventures, he has created 10,000+ jobs and supplies affordable, nutritious fish to millions, setting new benchmarks for sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa.