Meriam Msatilomo Phiri

Meriam Msatilomo Phiri is a multi-disciplinary leader and researcher whose dedication to the aquatic sector was forged by a deep concern for the health of the African Great Lakes. Her commitment to sustainable aquaculture was solidified during the devastating 2020 and 2021 Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS) outbreaks in Malawi, where she actively participated in disease surveillance and the development of the national Aquatic Animal Health and Biosecurity Strategy. This experience transformed her from a scientist into a powerful advocate for institutional change.

After serving as an AFIWEL Research Fellow for Phase 2 implementation, Meriam is the author of the first-ever Country-Specific Fish Welfare Training Guide for Malawi. She is dedicated to transitioning this work into a national standard, helping small-scale farmers turn ethical production into a competitive business advantage. Her expertise extends beyond research; she has successfully led projects promoting climate-smart Integrated Aquaculture-Agriculture (IAA) systems, resulting in a 45% improvement in household food security for hundreds of farmers.

Beyond her work with the One Health Development Initiative (OHDI), Meriam brings a unique private-sector perspective to the fellowship as the Operations Manager for CMK Engineering Solutions and a fundraising assistant and market access initiatives for the African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFISHNET). By blending scientific innovation with business strategy, Meriam is mentoring the next generation of women scientists and ensuring that aquaculture in Africa remains sustainably raised, affordable, food-safe, and ethically produced (SAFE).