Final global Science-Policy Lab to address critical challenges in African aquatic food systems

Building on groundbreaking research and policy labs in Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa, focusing respectively on resilience, inclusivity and innovation, this synthesis event will bring together local and global actors to tackle pressing sustainability challenges of aquatic food systems. Unlike other regional discussions, this S-POL in Brussels will engage major global institutions including the EU and FAO, as well as national and regional institutions from Africa, to address crucial gaps in public goods investment, particularly in governance, institutions, multistakeholder networks and capacity building.

The two-day event is part of an innovative process that includes pre-engagement sessions, intensive in-person dialogue, and post-event synthesis and follow-up. Participants will explore trade-offs across four key dimensions: sustainability pillars, stakeholder groups, institutions, and time horizons. The lab specifically aims to formalize and professionalize multistakeholder networks to benefit smallholders, vulnerable and marginalized people in sub-Saharan Africa.

This transformative event promises to enhance participants' capacity to identify and analyse policy interventions and investments and their trade-offs while strengthening inclusive dialogue for effective decision-making in aquatic food systems.