The word “OHALA” means “business” in the Luo language, predominantly spoken in the Lake region.
About Ohala Africa
From vision to impact—reshaping Africa’s horizon.
Ohala Africa is a mission-driven nonprofit organization working at the intersection of practice and policy to inspire new thinking on Africa’s economic development. Rooted in Kenya’s Lake Victoria Region, our work is informed by deep, on-the-ground engagement—translating local realities into bold, actionable insights that speak to broader continental challenges and opportunities.
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 led 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, we are now advancing two major initiatives aimed at long-term, systemic impact:
1. LVA SACCO – A cooperative financial platform designed to unlock access to affordable, tailored financing for aquaculture enterprises in the Lake Region.
2. The LIFT Project – A high-impact public-private partnership that seeks to redefine the economic future of the Lake Victoria region through coordinated investments and infrastructure development.
As we deepen our local engagements, we are also expanding our continental voice. In early 2025, Ohala Kenya 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.