By Wilmot Konah
FARMINGTON, Margibi County — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has outlined plans to transform Liberia’s fisheries sector into a major source of employment and economic growth, describing the industry as a critical opportunity to create jobs and strengthen the national economy.
Speaking at the opening of the National Fisheries Investment Conference, “Kpongama 2026,” held at the Farmington Hotel, the President said Liberia’s rich marine resources remain largely underdeveloped despite the country’s long coastline and abundant fish stocks.
He noted that Liberia continues to import over 33,000 metric tons of fish annually, stressing that increasing local production would create jobs across fishing, processing, transport, and export sectors.
“Our artisanal fishers provide about 80 percent of the domestic fish production,” Boakai said, adding that efforts are being made to improve their working conditions and increase their income.
The President highlighted ongoing reforms and partnerships aimed at modernizing the sector, including support from international partners and collaboration with Orange Liberia to introduce digital payment systems and solar-powered cold storage to reduce losses and improve efficiency.
He also pointed to planned infrastructure projects such as a national fisheries harbor, processing facilities, and aquaculture farms, which he said will expand opportunities for investment while creating new jobs for Liberians.
Boakai further noted that government reforms, including a 34 percent reduction in artisanal fishing license fees, are intended to support small-scale fishers and encourage broader participation in the sector.
“To our development partners and investors… Liberia is not only talking about the future of fisheries—we are building it,” he said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment.
The President added that the development of the fisheries sector will play a central role in boosting economic growth, improving livelihoods, and strengthening Liberia’s participation in the global seafood market.
For his part, J. Cyrus Saygbe Sr. the Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, delivering a welcome statement at the conference, said the gathering is designed to “position Liberia as a competitive and investment-ready fisheries destination,” with focus on modernizing the sector, improving value chains, and expanding opportunities for both local and international investors.
He noted that the sector’s transformation is expected to generate employment opportunities, strengthen food security, and boost exports as Liberia develops a more structured and sustainable fisheries industry.
The Kpongama 2026 fisheries conference, has brought together delegates from over 20 countries, including government officials, development partners and investors and is expected to end on March 31, 2026.
