African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network takes Global Learning Exchange lessons to the continent
Photo showing peers and facilitators from AWFISHNET, FAO and TAWFA during the recently concluded Global Learning Exchange Event in Mwanza on 18th March 2026.
©Photo by Dvanny Studios
Written by AWFISHNET Secretariat
In March 2026, the shores of Lake Victoria became a classroom. From 18 to 20 March, the FAO funded Global Learning Exchange (GLE) brought together over 50 participants from six African countries, Colombia, Malawi, and the Philippines to share best practices in post harvest fisheries, organisational strengthening, and gender equality.
The African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFISHNET) – a pan African movement representing women from 44 countries, was invited by FAO to facilitate breakout discussions and deliver a keynote presentation on decision making and leadership in women’s small scale fisheries organisations.
“The GLE was a fundamental opportunity for seeing, touching, and learning from real examples,” said Lovin Kobusingye, President of AWFISHNET. “We visited landing sites, fish processing plants, and women-led enterprises. We saw raised drying racks that reduced post harvest losses by 15%. We saw solar tents producing cleaner, higher value fish. And we saw VICOBA savings groups that are not just about money – they are leadership hubs for women.”
Field visits took participants to Kirumba Fish Market, Kayenze Ndogo Dagaa landing site, and women led enterprises such as Charity Foods Products – a group of ten women who process dagaa using solar drying and improved hygiene. Participants also toured large scale processors like Nile Perch Fisheries Limited and HongLin International, learning about blast freezing, cold air drying, and export certification.
AWFISHNET facilitated four breakout groups on critical topics: access to finance, improved post harvest practices, enhanced market access, and the role of small scale fisheries organisations. The network also delivered a presentation on its three pillar leadership model: creating safe spaces for collective power, targeted capacity building, and linking local action to regional and global advocacy.
“What stood out for me was the energy transition – moving from firewood to cleaner technologies,” said Oluwafunmilola Shelika, AWFISHNET Treasurer. “These visits and discussions broadened our perspectives, giving us chance to link environmental issues with women’s health, time, and the quality of the fish we process and sell. When we produce better fish, we access and build better markets.”
The GLE was organised under the FAO projects Implementing the Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines for gender-equitable and climate-resilient food systems and livelihoods – Phase 2, and Enhancing equitable, climate-resilient and sustainable small-scale fisheries through SSF Guidelines implementation which support the implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small Scale Fisheries (SSF Guidelines). The exchange built on previous FAO work in Ghana, Madagascar, Namibia, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Philippines.
Following the GLE, AWFISHNET has launched a continent wide peer learning platform for its members, including a WhatsApp group, quarterly virtual clinics, and a resource library. The network is also advocating for an AWFISHNET quality mark to help members access premium markets and cross border trade.
“What AWFISHNET is doing – translating global learning into local action – is an inspiration to us all.” said Jennifer Gee, Fishery Officer at FAO.
The lessons from Mwanza are already spreading. National chapters in Nigeria, Tanzania, Seychelles, Mozambique, and beyond have committed to reviewing their constitutions, starting VICOBAs, and investing in value added fish products. For the women of AWFISHNET, the journey has only just begun.
AWFISHNET Secretariat
Email: [email protected] | Website: www.awfishnet.org
About AWFISHNET:
The African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFISHNET) is a continental network dedicated to empowering women in the fisheries sector through advocacy, capacity building, and inclusive policy engagement. Currently active in 44 African countries, AWFISHNET works to enhance food security, sustainable livelihoods, and gender equality across Africa.