Africa's first organisation dedicated exclusively to fish welfare
We exist to close the gap between how much Africa depends on fish and how little attention their welfare receives.
A Kenyan non-profit with a continental mandate
Fish Welfare Africa (FWA) is a Kenyan non-profit organization dedicated to improving the welfare of fish through research, advocacy, education, and partnerships. Headquartered in Kenya, we work with governments, research institutions, universities, fish farmers, fishing communities, the private sector, and development partners to advance fish welfare across Africa.
As aquaculture and fisheries continue to grow throughout Africa, billions of fish are farmed and harvested every year. Despite their importance to food security, nutrition, livelihoods, and economic development, fish welfare remains largely overlooked. Fish Welfare Africa was established to close this gap by promoting science-based solutions that improve the lives of fish while supporting sustainable aquatic food systems.
Our work is grounded in scientific evidence, practical innovation, and collaboration. We believe that improving fish welfare contributes to healthier fish, more productive farms, resilient aquatic ecosystems, improved livelihoods, and responsible food production.
Vision, mission, and goal
An Africa where every fish is treated humanely and fish welfare is fully integrated into sustainable aquaculture and fisheries.
To improve the welfare of fish through research, advocacy, education, policy engagement, and partnerships that promote sustainable aquaculture and responsible fisheries across Africa.
To become Africa's leading centre of excellence for fish welfare by generating evidence, influencing policy, strengthening capacity, and supporting the adoption of best practices throughout the fish value chain.
Improvements that work for fish and farmers
We start by listening. Welfare improvements only spread when they work for farmers — so we prioritise changes, like better water quality management and gentler handling, that benefit fish and farm incomes together.
What guides how we work
Evidence First
We ground every recommendation in research, not assumption.
Farmer-Centred
Welfare improvements must work for the people delivering them.
Honest About Progress
As a young organisation, we report where we are — not where we wish we were.
Collaborative by Design
Lasting change requires governments, researchers, and industry working together.
A strategic launchpad for continental impact
Kenya is one of Africa's leading aquaculture and fisheries nations. From the waters of Lake Victoria to fish farms across the country, Kenya is well positioned to champion fish welfare research, innovation, and policy for the continent. Fish Welfare Africa leverages Kenya's strong research institutions, vibrant aquaculture sector, and strategic regional position to catalyse improvements in fish welfare throughout Africa.
Fish Welfare Africa is headquartered in Kenya and collaborates with partners across Africa. We are committed to supporting fish welfare initiatives in East Africa while expanding our programmes to other regions of the continent through research, partnerships, and policy engagement.
Want to know more about how we work?
Explore our strategic pillars and current programmes, or get in touch with our team directly.