About Ohala Africa

Ohala Africa is a Kenya-based nonprofit organization on a mission to inspire new thinking on Africa’s economic development. We are rooted in the Lake Victoria Region, but our outlook is global. In a world of rapid change—shaped by technology, climate shifts, and shifting power dynamics—we translate local realities into bold insights. Our goal is simple: turn community experience into actionable ideas that can shape Africa’s future.

In the Lake Region, we focus on unlocking the economic, social, and environmental potential of strategic value chains—starting with aquaculture and the blue economy—while building models of collaboration that can be replicated across Africa. Through strategic partnerships, policy advocacy, enterprise development, and catalytic investment, we support community-driven solutions and foster systems-level change.

Since our inception, Ohala Africa has played a pivotal role in organizing stakeholders within the aquaculture sector. In 2023, we initiated and led in the establishment of the Lake Victoria Aquaculture (LVA) Association, now the leading platform for private sector engagement, policy dialogue, and collective action in Kenya’s aquaculture ecosystem. Through the LVA Association, we’ve challenged regressive regulations, convened national forums, and shaped legislation to better serve fish farmers, processors, and input providers.

Building on this momentum, wwe are now advancing the SAFI Project (Sustainable Aquaculture Financing Initiative), a transformative blue economy project . Branded as the Ohala SAFI Project, this public-interest–private-sector initiative aims to catalyze inclusive economic growth while safeguarding the ecological health of Lake Victoria.

The name SAFI reflects both identity and mission. In Swahili, safi means clean, pure, or responsible—symbolizing sustainability and stewardship. As an acronym, it stands for Sustainable Aquaculture Financing Initiative, underscoring its focus on innovative financing and enterprise support.

The project targets micro, small, and medium aquaculture enterprises across Kenya’s five riparian counties by integrating affordable financial services, tailored business development support, and environmental stewardship education into a unified delivery platform.

As we deepen our local engagements, we are also expanding our continental voice. In early 2025, Ohala Africa initiated Africa’s Moment, a flagship campaign anchored in the revised edition of the influential book by our founder, Pete Ondeng. This initiative is more than a publication—it is a cultural and intellectual movement to rewrite Africa’s narrative by challenging despair, celebrating dignity, and inspiring generational change.

Through all our work, we remain grounded in place and committed to purpose—building bridges from local insight to continental transformation.