National forum advances aquatic transformation

DAR ES SALAAM: Tanzania has taken a significant step toward strengthening its aquatic food systems following a high-level national forum organized by WorldFish in collaboration with Asia-Africa Bluetech Superhighway and the University of Dar es Salaam, which set out a transformative roadmap to advance an inclusive, science-driven blue economy.

The forum brought together government leaders, researchers, private sector actors, development partners, and community representatives to co-design a national Theory of Change aimed at unlocking sustainable growth, food security, and livelihoods through fisheries and aquaculture.

The engagement, supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the CGIAR Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods Science Program, underscored growing alignment between research, innovation, and policy in advancing Tanzania’s development priorities.

Opening the forum recently, Dr Rahma Adam, Senior Scientist and Socio-Economic Impact Lead at WorldFish, stressed that inclusion must anchor sector transformation.

“Gender equality, youth participation, and disability inclusion are not optional add-ons; they are fundamental to building resilient and productive aquatic food systems,” she said, urging stakeholders to translate commitments into scalable national impact.

The forum was officially inaugurated by Dr Ismael Kimirei, Director General of the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute, representing the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, signaling strong government commitment to positioning fisheries and aquaculture as drivers of national development.

“This initiative reflects the Government’s direction to harness aquatic resources for food security, employment, and long-term prosperity while safeguarding sustainability and equity,” he noted.

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Speaking on behalf of the UK International Development, Ms Gloria Mramba reaffirmed continued partnership with Tanzania to advance climate-resilient and inclusive aquatic food systems.

Deliberations identified priority actions including climate-smart production, technology uptake, strengthened market systems, improved genetics, One Health integration, expanded economic opportunities for women and youth, reduced post-harvest losses, and enhanced data-driven governance.

A key milestone was the co-creation of a national Theory of Change to guide investments, partnerships, and innovation across the sector.

The Director of Quality Assurance at the University of Dar es Salaam, Prof Donatha Tibuhwa, highlighted the institution’s convening role in bridging knowledge and national development.

“This forum demonstrates how universities can translate research into actionable priorities that inform policy and deliver tangible benefits to communities,” she said.

Through such partnerships, the UDSM continues to position itself as a catalyst for interdisciplinary solutions, leveraging research excellence and global collaboration to advance Tanzania’s vision of a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient blue economy.