Summary
The conference is expected to attract over 2,000 delegates from over 100 countries, including researchers, investors, policymakers, technology innovators and development partners.
By Valentine Oforo/ Dar es Salaam
TANZANIA has earned international recognition after being selected to host the World Aquaculture Conference 2026 (WA26T) alongside the African Aquaculture Conference (AFRAQ26), marking a major milestone for the country’s rapidly growing aquaculture industry.
The honour follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the government of Tanzania and the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) for the organisation of the prestigious global event.
The four-day conference will take place at the Dar es Salaam’s Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) from December 1 to 4, 2026, bringing together thousands of relevant experts and stakeholders from across the world.
The agreement was signed on July 13, 2026, by the Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Ambassador Dr Bashiru Ally Kakurwa, on behalf of the government of Tanzania, while the World Aquaculture Society was represented by the Chairperson of its African Chapter (AFRAQ), Prof. Julius Manyala.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Dr Bashiru said Tanzania’s selection as host reflects the remarkable progress the country has made in aquaculture development, particularly the more than 300 percent increase in production recorded over the past five years.
He noted that aquaculture production in the country has grown dramatically from 44,700 tonnes in the 2020/2021 financial year to 181,535.76 tonnes in 2025/2026.
According to the minister, the impressive growth has been driven by government policies aimed at improving the investment climate, strengthening research, promoting modern technologies and encouraging greater private sector participation.
“The World Aquaculture Society has demonstrated great confidence in Tanzania by awarding us the opportunity to host this conference. It is an important platform to showcase our country’s achievements in aquaculture and the Blue Economy to the international community,” he said.
He added that the conference is expected to attract over 2,000 delegates from over 100 countries, including researchers, investors, policymakers, technology innovators and development partners.
The minister said the event will create significant opportunities to attract new investments, strengthen international partnerships, facilitate technology transfer and expand markets for fisheries and aquaculture products.
He urged all stakeholders, including universities, research institutions, the private sector, financial institutions and local government authorities, to actively participate in the preparations to ensure the conference delivers lasting economic and development benefits for Tanzania.
During the same event, Dr Bashiru also inaugurated the new Tanzania Fisheries Corporation (TAFICO) Board of Directors, comprising eight members.
In addition, he launched the Tanzania Fish Recipe Book, developed through a partnership involving the Government, WorldFish and Aquatic BioSolutions Tanzania (ABiST) under the PROFISHBLUE Project.
He said the publication is intended to promote fish consumption, improve nutrition, add value to fisheries and aquaculture products, and expand market opportunities across the sector.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, the Deputy Permanent Secretary responsible for Fisheries, Prof. Mohamed Ali Sheikh, said the government has made comprehensive preparations to ensure the international conference becomes one of the most successful and memorable events ever hosted in Tanzania.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the African Chapter of the World Aquaculture Society (AFRAQ), Prof. Julius Manyala, thanked the government of Tanzania for accepting to host and organise the prestigious global conference, expressing confidence that the country is well positioned to deliver a world-class event that will advance aquaculture development across Africa and beyond.
