NATIONAL NEWS
FARMINGTON – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. has launched an ambitious 10-year national fisheries plan aimed at transforming Liberia’s marine resources into a driver of economic growth, while cautioning investors against exploitative practices.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Speaking at the Farmington Hotel on Monday, the President declared that Liberia is “open for business, not exploitation,” as he invited both local and international partners to invest in the country’s fisheries sector.
The initiative, themed “Unlocking Blue Horizon: The Future of Fisheries and the Blue Economy,” is designed to mobilize investment and strengthen collaboration to fully harness Liberia’s vast maritime potential.
“To those considering investment in Liberia’s fisheries, hear me clearly: we are open for business, but we are not open for exploitation,” President Boakai said, emphasizing the need for partnerships that build local capacity, respect environmental standards, and deliver shared benefits to Liberian communities.
Liberia’s fisheries sector remains largely underdeveloped despite significant natural advantages. The country boasts a coastline stretching nearly 570 kilometers and an Exclusive Economic Zone extending 200 nautical miles into the Atlantic Ocean—home to some of the richest fishing grounds in the Gulf of Guinea. Yet, Liberia continues to import more than 33,000 metric tons of fish annually, highlighting structural gaps in domestic production and infrastructure.
The President acknowledged these challenges, pointing to the absence of a dedicated fishing harbor and limited support systems for artisanal fishers, who account for roughly 80 percent of domestic fish production. Many operate without cold storage, digital payment systems, or adequate market access.
“This is not a situation we accept. It is a challenge we embrace,” he said.
At the core of the strategy is a shift toward private-sector-led growth through public-private partnerships, moving away from heavy reliance on industrial vessel licensing fees. The approach aligns with broader continental and regional frameworks, including the African Union Blue Economy Strategy and the ECOWAS Fisheries Policy Framework, as well as global targets under Sustainable Development Goal 14.
Branded “KPONGAMA”—a Kpelleh term meaning group gathering—the initiative also supports the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, with a focus on job creation, accountability, and economic empowerment.
President Boakai outlined several concrete steps already underway, including a €25 million grant from the European Union to strengthen the artisanal fisheries value chain, and a partnership with Orange Liberia to deploy mobile-based solutions and solar-powered cold storage to reduce post-harvest losses.
He further disclosed plans to operationalize key assets such as Liberia’s first semi-industrial fiberglass vessel, “Sea King,” and the long-dormant Robertsport fishing cluster through public-private partnerships. Meanwhile, the design phase for a national fisheries harbor is nearing completion, with construction of a fisheries complex expected to begin later this year.
The government is also working with the World Bank under the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project to strengthen institutions and improve livelihoods in coastal communities.
President Boakai said these efforts are intended to deliver tangible benefits for ordinary Liberians, particularly small-scale fishers.
“We are not pursuing abstract policies,” he noted. “We are taking real steps to ensure that a fisherwoman in West Point or a canoe captain in Harper can earn more from their catch.”
Meanwhile, Aliou Mamadou Dia, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme, pledged continued support for Liberia’s blue economy ambitions. He said the proposed national investment platform would help mobilize stakeholders, structure viable projects, and accelerate implementation.
“Liberia stands at a pivotal moment,” Dia said, “where strong leadership and a clear development vision can unlock transformative opportunities across the blue economy.”
The launch signals Liberia’s intent to position itself as a regional leader in sustainable fisheries, while tightening safeguards to ensure that growth benefits both the economy and local communities.
