3 October 2025 – The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) has launched a transformative new initiative to accelerate sustainable aquaculture development in Africa, leveraging cutting-edge science, capacity building, and policy innovation. Supported by a grant AIT received from Gates Foundation, the initiative will be led by the Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management (AARM) Program, in collaboration with a strong network of African aquaculture producers, international development institutions, and women-led organizations.
This bold, multi-year initiative builds on AARM’s 45-year global legacy in advancing sustainable aquaculture systems and its deep engagement across Asia and Africa. It aims to overcome persistent bottlenecks in African aquaculture by evaluating improved genetic strains, strengthening biosecurity practices, enhancing inclusive value chains, and enabling data-driven decision-making.
“This partnership reflects AIT’s deep commitment to inclusive innovation and global development,” said AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li. “By working hand-in-hand with African partners and the foundation, we aim to create sustainable, scalable, and equitable impact.”
Nigeria has been selected as the launchpad for this initiative, with strategic plans to scale the model to additional African nations through regional cooperation, hands-on training, and on-the-ground innovation pilots.
“Our vision is to accelerate sustainable, resilient, and inclusive aquaculture development in Africa by leveraging AIT’s aquaculture expertise and promoting south–south cooperation,” said Dr. Krishna R. Salin, Project Leader and Chair of the Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management (AARM) Program at AIT. “This initiative represents a strategic step forward in supporting African partners to meet growing food and nutrition demands while generating equitable livelihoods, particularly for women and youth.”
A dedicated Asia–Africa Aquaculture Centre hosted at AIT will serve as the backbone for this initiative—facilitating knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and technology transfer between the two continents.
Beyond technical advancements, the project will invest in long-term capacity development by training African graduate students and researchers at AIT, strengthening institutional partnerships across the continent, and producing robust field-based evidence to inform policy reforms. Currently, three Nigerian women scholars are pursuing their doctoral studies at AIT’s Aquaculture Program under this initiative.
Key Partners include:
- FutureFish (UK) – Expertise in sustainable aquaculture strategy and risk assessment
- University of the Sunshine Coast (Australia) – Advanced research in fish genetics and training
- Premium Aquaculture Limited, Abeokuta & Sej Farms, Badagry – Leading dissemination of improved tilapia and catfish strains in Nigeria
- Continental Spring Harvest, Abuja – Leading catfish performance trials in Nigeria
- AWFishNet (Nigeria Chapter) – Women-led aquaculture network supporting field operations and gender equity
