The present regional review and synthesis for sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) provides an overview of major issues and trends in the aquaculture sector between 2004 and 2014 with emphasis on outstanding issues over the last five years. The regional review reflects development in 41countries in SSA for which production was reported to FAO in 2014. The production volume and value data have been derived from the latest FAO global aquaculture dataset 1950-2014 (FishStat). Over 40 SSA countries have adopted national environmental framework laws and national aquaculture legislation overviews (NALOs) illustrate that some countries have incorporated specific regulations to promote environmental management of aquaculture. Regulations on the use of alien species, monitoring of aquaculture activities, improvement in the implementation of environmental impact assessment (EIA), the prevention and mitigation of escapes and aquaculture zoning as a well as the application of ecosystem approach to aquaculture (EAA) deserve more attention in region. There is a need for research and technology development, in particular the development of high quality, cost effective aquafeeds designed specifically for species and life stages being grown, profitability or viability of different aquaculture production systems and subsequent development of business plans, and value-chain improvement, marketing and research to inform policy.