The landscape of African AgriTech has taken a significant leap forward with the official launch of E-AquaHealth, a pioneering digital platform designed to bridge the gap between academic research and the practical needs of the aquaculture sector.
Speaking at the launch event in Ibadan on Wednesday, the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Idowu Olayinka, hailed the initiative as a landmark in research commercialisation.
“Research commercialisation acts as a bridge between research institutions and industry, driving innovation through licensing, spin-offs and collaborations,” Prof. Olayinka stated. He emphasised that the platform serves as a vital tool for converting laboratory breakthroughs into market-ready products that provide societal impact.
According to Olayinka, the platform is essential for national development: “We are glad that this innovation is providing practical solutions to support sustainable aquaculture development in Nigeria.” By linking practitioners with university experts via smartphones, E-AquaHealth ensures that even remote farmers can access professional guidance.
Solving the ‘Food Safety vs. Food Security’ Dilemma
The Co-founder of Smart AquaHealth Solutions Ltd., Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, revealed that the platform was born out of critical research conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal is to address systemic gaps in aquatic animal health management and veterinary access.
The platform is built on three core pillars:
- Diagnostic & Health Advisory: Digital reporting of disease outbreaks and direct access to licensed veterinarians.
- Extension Services: Online resources including podcasts, webinars, and specialised training for animal health professionals.
- Digital Marketplace: A verified network of vendors, laboratories, and processors.
“Food security and food safety are two different things,” Prof. Adeyemo explained. “You can have food security and then what you are getting is not safe. Therefore, the solution is not only to support sustainable production but to ensure that even the fish we are getting are of good quality.”
E-AquaHealth: A Vision for the Future of African Fish Farming
With its official commercialisation under Smart AquaHealth Solutions Ltd., the company aims to become Africa’s primary technology-enabled aqua-health provider within the next two years.
The launch garnered significant support from regional leaders, including Mr Seye Oyeleye (Director-General, DAWN Commission), Mr Akinola Baiyewu (NIRSAL), and Prof. Babasola Olusaga (Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, UI), all of whom commended the platform’s potential to strengthen biosecurity and productivity.
By digitising the aquaculture value chain, E-AquaHealth is positioned to ensure that Nigeria’s fish farming industry is not only productive but globally competitive and biologically secure.
