Organisation to Showcase Sustainable Aquatic Food Systems and Blue Economy Initiatives at WA26T
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH has announced its return as a Gold Sponsor of World Aquaculture Tanzania 2026 (WA26T) and the African Fisheries and Aquaculture Conference and Exhibition (AFRAQ26), scheduled to hold from December 1–4, 2026, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The organisation will participate in the international aquaculture event to share experiences and insights from its projects aimed at unlocking the potential of Africa’s aquatic resources for sustainable food production, employment, investment, and resilient livelihoods.
GIZ’s participation will highlight its commitment to strengthening sustainable aquatic food systems and promoting blue economy development across Africa through innovative projects, partnerships, and investment opportunities.
The Gold Sponsorship is supported by three major projects implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), with co-financing from the European Union (EU).
These initiatives include:
Global Programme Sustainable Aquatic Food (GP SAF): Promotes sustainable and inclusive fisheries and aquaculture value chains while supporting the responsible management of aquatic resources.
ProsperAzul in Mozambique: Supports the development of climate-smart and inclusive blue economy systems by combining investment and access to finance with sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and marine ecosystem conservation.
STAWIBLUU in Tanzania: Focuses on blue economy entrepreneurship and sustainable private investment, supporting mariculture value chains involving seaweed, sea cucumbers, mud crabs and Artemia.
The projects share a common vision of strengthening sustainable aquatic food systems and blue economies while creating economic opportunities and protecting aquatic and coastal ecosystems.
Beyond these initiatives, GIZ colleagues from Ghana’s Employment and Skills for Development in Africa (E4D) programme and Nigeria’s Global Programme Agricultural Finance (GP AgFin) will also participate in AFRAQ26.
Their involvement will highlight the importance of creating employment and business opportunities in the aquaculture sector, as well as improving access to finance for emerging producers and enterprises.
According to the Head of GIZ’s Global Programme “Sustainable Aquatic Food,” Pierre Guillibert, Africa’s aquatic resources have significant potential to contribute to food security, sustainable businesses, and resilient livelihoods.
He emphasised that successful transformation requires strengthening value chains, encouraging private investment and innovation, and improving access to finance.GIZ to Host Dedicated Side Event at AFRAQ26
As part of its participation, GIZ will host a dedicated side event bringing together experts and partners to discuss how sustainable production, value chains, entrepreneurship, employment, investment, and finance can work together to unlock Africa’s aquatic potential.
The session will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to exchange practical experiences, explore collaboration, and examine strategies for advancing sustainable aquatic food systems and blue economies across Africa.
World Aquaculture Tanzania 2026, also known as WA26T, is the fifth annual international conference and exhibition organised by the World Aquaculture Society and the African Chapter of the World Aquaculture Society (AFRAQ2026).
Hosted by the Government of the Republic of Tanzania and Zanzibar, the event will take place at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC), Dar es Salaam, under the theme:> “Aquaculture Driving Blue Transformation.
”The conference is expected to attract approximately 2,000 participants from nearly 100 countries, including aquaculture professionals, producers, researchers, policymakers, industry representatives, development partners, and students.
The event will feature plenary sessions, scientific presentations, exhibitions, networking opportunities, and discussions on innovations and challenges affecting aquaculture in Africa and the global industry.
GIZ’s participation as a Gold Sponsor is expected to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and promote investment, innovation, and sustainable development within Africa’s aquatic food and blue economy sectors.
