By: Akoi M. Baysah, Jr.
The European Union (EU) and the Government of Liberia have signed a major financing agreement aimed at transforming the country’s artisanal fisheries sector, with a focus on sustainability, job creation, and inclusive economic growth.
The agreement was signed by EU Ambassador to Liberia, Nona Deprez, and Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, marking the launch of the €25 million Strengthening the Artisanal Fish Value Chain Project, which will run from 2026 to 2032.
The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, NaFAA, is the arm of government responsible for the fisheries sector currently under the leadership of J. Cyrus Saygbe.
The project seeks to build a more resilient, professional, and investment-friendly marine artisanal fish value chain, ultimately improving livelihoods for coastal fishing communities and contributing to national economic growth.
EU support will focus on improving the lives of fishermen and fishmongers along Liberia’s coastline by raising quality standards from harvest to market, unlocking existing and emerging market opportunities, and expanding access to both financial and non-financial services.
This initiatives will also strengthen business professionalism, build technical and entrepreneurial skills, and promote women’s empowerment, recognizing the central role women play in fish processing and marketing.
Accordingly, youth employment and climate-resilient practices are also key priorities and will in addition support sustainable and inclusive fisheries governance, including the development of regulatory, administrative, and management measures tailored to the artisanal fisheries sector, while fostering stronger collaboration between public and private sector actors.
EU Ambassador Nona Deprez at the signing ceremony, reaffirmed the EU’s long-term commitment to Liberia’s fisheries sector.
“This initiative shows the EU’s commitment to fostering a sustainable, climate-neutral, and productive artisanal fish sector,” Ambassador Deprez said.
“We are here to support coastal fisher communities to increase their catch while preserving fish stocks and maintaining a healthy marine environment.”
Ambassador Deprez added that the EU will support local fish processing to create jobs for women and youth, amplify the voices of fishers and fishmongers, improve service delivery, and work closely with the Liberian government to strengthen fisheries governance at all levels.
The project aligns with Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) and national fisheries policy priorities.
It also reinforces the EU-Liberia Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership, supporting a transition from traditional “blue growth” toward a sustainable blue economy in line with the European Green Deal.
Implementation according to the EU will be led by GIZ as the main implementer, in partnership with Expertise France.
The overall overarching goal of the project is to unlock the full potential of Liberia’s marine artisanal fisheries by driving sustainable incomes, employment, social and economic inclusion, and regional competitiveness, while safeguarding marine ecosystems.
This will enhance the sustainability and performance of the artisanal fish value chain;Expand equitable access to financial and non-financial services, with particular emphasis on empowering women, youth, and vulnerable groups; and Promote sustainable, inclusive, and participatory fisheries governance.
