The government of Tanzania, through the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries (MLF), officially launched the World Aquaculture Tanzania 2026 Conference (WA26T). This event marks a significant step in building both national and international momentum for the conference and mobilizing participation from government institutions, private sector, development partners, academia, and other stakeholders. WA26T is scheduled to take place from December 1 to 4, 2026.
The launch event was held at the Tanzania Fisheries Corporation (TAFICO) premises in Dar es Salaam and officiated by the Minister of Livestock and Fisheries Honorable Ambassador Dr. Bashiru Ally Kakurwa (MP), along with several high-level delegates from the Ministry. The event included the signing of the conference’s hosting agreement, which outlines the roles and responsibilities of both the WAS and MLF. Additionally, the conference theme, branding, organizational arrangements, and partnership opportunities were unveiled, establishing Tanzania as a preferred destination for international conferences, investment, and sustainable Blue Economy development.
Representatives from MLF, local universities, research institutions, industry representatives—including the Aquaculture Association of Tanzania (AAT), WAS members, media, and various support entities—also attended the launch and witnessed the signing ceremony. Virtual statements of solidarity were issued by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and Aller Aqua – which is WAS African Chapter Corporate Sponsor.
The WAS’s World Aquaculture Conferences are the premier annual gatherings of aquaculture scientists, industry leaders, policymakers, investors, development partners, and other key stakeholders. Organized by the WAS in collaboration with host countries and partners, the conferences serve as leading global platforms for sharing knowledge, showcasing innovations, fostering partnerships for advancing sustainable aquaculture development.
In recognition of Tanzania’s rapid growth in aquaculture and its commitment to advancing the Blue Economy, the WAS has selected the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries to host the WA26T Conference at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam, under the theme “Aquaculture Driving Blue Transformation.”
The conference is expected to attract more than 2,000 delegates from over 100 countries, placing Tanzania at the forefront of global discussions on sustainable aquaculture, food security, aquatic food systems, investment, innovation, and the Blue Economy. It will feature keynote addresses from internationally renowned experts, scientific and technical presentations, policy dialogues, business-to-business networking opportunities, and an international exhibition showcasing the latest technologies, products, and services across the aquaculture value chain. This event will be a unique opportunity for Tanzania to highlight its achievements, investment potential, research capability, and innovations while strengthening collaboration with global partners.
The launch event also included the official release of the Aquatic Foods Recipe Book – Tanzania, developed by the Government of Tanzania in collaboration with WorldFish and Aquatic BioSolutions Tanzania (ABiST) under the Programme for Improving Fisheries Governance and Blue Economy Trade Corridors in the SADC Region (PROFISHBLUE). The publication aims to promote the consumption of aquatic foods, strengthen fisheries and aquaculture value chains, improve nutrition, and create new market opportunities for aquatic food products
