Angola Drives Regional Collaboration on Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture
Angola has been praised for its leadership in hosting the International Conference on Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture (CIPAS 2025), a landmark event aimed at promoting responsible fishing and sustainable aquaculture across Southern Africa.
The conference, held under the theme “Responsible Fishing and Sustainable Aquaculture: a Challenge, a Commitment, a Mission Uniting the Nation,” forms part of Angola’s 50th independence anniversary celebrations.
The conference was officially inaugurated by Angola’s Minister of State for Economic Coordination, Dr José de Lima Massano, and attracted high-level officials from governments, regional organisations, international agencies, academia, and the private sector. The event emphasised regional collaboration, recognising that no country can sustainably manage shared marine resources alone.
SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Ms Angele Makombo N’Tumba, took part as a panellist in the plenary session on Sustainable Fisheries, Climate, and International Cooperation.
She highlighted the region’s rich marine ecosystems, while acknowledging the challenges posed by overfishing, illegal fishing, habitat degradation, climate change, and limited access to sustainable financing and technology.
“Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture are vital drivers of economic resilience, social inclusion, and environmental preservation within the Blue Economy,” Ms Makombo N’Tumba said.
Other distinguished contributors included Angola’s Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Dr Carmen Sacramento Nato, and Minister of Higher Education, Dr Albano Vicente Lopes Ferreira. Representatives from Spain’s fisheries sector and international partners shared insights on strengthening cooperation and implementing sustainable practices.
A key message from the conference was the importance of inclusive governance, engaging local communities, fisherfolk, women, and civil society in decision-making. Building capacities and ensuring transparency were highlighted as essential for sustainable and equitable management of marine resources.
By hosting CIPAS 2025, Angola not only celebrated its 50 years of independence but also demonstrated regional solidarity and a commitment to harnessing the Blue Economy responsibly, particularly in aquatic food systems critical for food security and economic growth.
SADC Secretariat expressed gratitude to partners, including the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through GIZ, for their support in implementing the Global Programme Sustainable Aquatic Food as part of the Transformation of Agricultural and Food Systems in Southern Africa.
