The summit was to celebrate the tenth (10th) anniversary of the implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines). The summit was attended by over 470 delegates from 33 AU Member States and three (3) other countries, Ministers, Government Representatives  and other stakeholders.

With over 470 delegates from 33 countries, including representatives from African Union Member States, AU Networks, fisherfolk, Non-State Actors (NSAs), academic and research institutions, development partners, and the private sector, the summit was a hub of ideas and collaboration. Countries represented included Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, and South Africa, showcasing the continent's diverse engagement in small-scale fisheries.

The primary goal of the SSF Summit for Africa 2024 was to sustain and enhance support for small-scale artisanal fishers and fish workers across Africa. The discussions focused on implementing the SSF Guidelines, the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Africa's Fisheries and Aquaculture, 2014, and Africa's Blue Economy Policy.

Apart from being one of the main sponsors of the summit, ​WWF-Tanzania facilitated the attendance of more than 20 community members from Zanzibar, Mafia, Kilwa, Somanga and Tanga. These small scale seaweed farmers and producers used the opportunity to showcase their seaweed products.

Both the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania Dr. Doto Mashaka Biteko, and Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Hon. Abdallah Hamis Ulega, visited the sea weed booth and were impressed by how much the communities are investing into seaweed farming and the vast products that come from seaweed. These include among many others soaps/ shower gels, body jelly and food stuff. The discussions highlighted the benefits of seaweed and the need for advanced processing technologies to enhance their production.

WWF Tanzania also hosted an engaging side event titled “Empowering Tanzania's Coastal Communities through Sustainable Seaweed Practices.” The session began with a keynote address from WWF Tanzania’s Country Director, who encouraged collaboration and innovation to have a big impact on coastal communities and the environment and significantly urged participants to collaborate well and make a difference for coastal communities and the environment.”

Marine Programme Lead Dr. Modesta Medard, government representatives from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, CSOs, and private sector representatives formed panellists and discussed innovative approaches to boosting livelihoods while preserving marine ecosystems through the seaweed farming industry. Key takeaways included the need for a national seaweed policy, improved farming technologies, and unifying small-scale actors through cooperatives. Investment in seaweed value addition was also identified as a promising growth area.

Day 2 of the summit kicked off with an insightful session hosted by the WWF SWIO Regional Team, led by Mr. Lovasoa Dresy. The focus was on the Financial Flow Analysis for Sustainable Blue Economy (FF-SBE) within the SWIO Region. A presentation on a commissioned study revealed gaps in financing the Blue Economy and sparked discussions on establishing national platforms for stakeholders to address opportunities, approaches, and challenges related to financial flow.

The Africa Small-Scale Fisheries Summit 2024 was a resounding success, highlighting the power of collaboration and the shared commitment to a sustainable and prosperous future for Tanzania's fisheries and beyond.