ASA’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health program is sponsoring the participation of multiple African strategic partners at the Eastern Africa Regional Aquaculture Conference (EARAC). WISHH partners from Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda and Tanzania are attending the conference to acknowledge the rapid growth of aquaculture in Eastern Africa and its vital role in regional food systems.

As aquaculture progresses in Africa, there is an increasing demand for U.S. soy for fish feed, which is a key component of WISHH’s strategy on the continent. The event is sponsored by WISHH with support from the United Soybean Board, which helps WISHH build strong partnerships in sub-Saharan Africa, enhance ties with U.S. soy and explore regional expansion opportunities.

EARAC gathers large-scale producers and smallholder farmers to discuss access to quality feed, seed, goods, services, technology, research, and capital (smallholders are persons who own or manage an agricultural holding considered smaller than a typical farm). Several WISHH partners, including Aqua Farms founder and Executive Director Jerry Mang'ena, are attending to strengthen business connections. Mang'ena’s farm produces about 10% of Tanzania’s fingerling population. He credited WISHH with fostering connections between fish farmers across the continent, leveraging relationships at events like EARAC and through peer-to-peer sharing. For instance, Ghanaian and Tanzanian partners host entrepreneurs for training programs led by WISHH on their farms and benefit from shared knowledge and connections through attending these conferences together.

This year’s EARAC theme, “Promoting Aquaculture Investment in East Africa,” features discussions on high-quality fish feed. Many attendees commend WISHH for supporting their farms across Africa. The conference provides crucial insights into the aquaculture industry, including the latest research and business skills, and increases visibility for U.S. soy among potential strategic partners.

WISHH used USDA Foreign Market Development funds to support the travel of trade team members to Tanzania.