This Technical Report contains the results of 2 missions. One mission deals with the state of fisheries andaquaculture research as well as research needs in 4 countries in Southeastern Africa: Kenya, Malawi,Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Following an analysis of relevant criteria for evaluating fisheries and aquaculture research, an account is given of the factors affecting the effectiveness of research in the 4 countries covered by the mission and also more generally in subsaharan Africa. A discussion of how such constraints could be addressed and a description of a successful fishery research institution in Mozambique are provided. The mission's country-specific findings are included in annexes. The second mission report deals with fisheries and aquaculture research capabilities and usefulness in Northwest Africa: Mauritania, Morocco and Senegal. Following a description of the importance of northwest African fisheries for national economics, research needs and priorities are examined taking into account past experiences and research objectives. The report then deals with the ways and means of developing successful research. General conclusions on the status of fisheries and aquaculture research as well as priority areas for international aid are also presented.