By: Akoi M. Baysah, Jr.
The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), in collaboration with the European Union (EU) through its Technical Assistance Programme on Food Systems Governance – Fisheries in Liberia, has convened a high-level information and networking workshop aimed at strengthening Liberia’s marine artisanal fisheries sector, with emphasis on primary and secondary fish processing.
The workshop, held on Wednesday in Monrovia, brought together fish processors, traders, and fishmongers from Monrovia, Buchanan, Marshall, Robertsport, Tomatown, and parts of Grand Bassa County.
Value chain experts facilitated discussions on sustainable business models designed to modernize and expand Liberia’s fish trade.
Participants reviewed and validated findings from recent sector-wide assessments, engaged in in-depth stakeholder discussions, clarified emerging challenges, and examined proposed socially inclusive business models tailored to the artisanal fisheries sector.
The engagement also enabled stakeholders to agree on priority actions and outline clear next steps for coordinated implementation.
A major outcome of the discussions was a collective call for the development of a comprehensive business plan that will help transition the artisanal fisheries sector from an informal, low-value system to a more formalized and integrated value chain.Deliberations were guided by two key studies.
the Value Chain Assessment of Liberia’s Marine Artisanal Fisheries conducted in October 2024, and the Pre-Feasibility Assessment of a Socially Inclusive Business Model for Marine Artisanal Fisheries carried out in March 2025.
The workshop marked a critical milestone in ensuring that interventions under the EU Technical Assistance Programme are evidence-based, inclusive, and aligned with Liberia’s national development priorities.
It brought together public and private sector actors, development partners, and fisheries stakeholders to promote shared understanding, collaboration, and coordinated action.At the close of the workshop, findings and recommendations from the assessments were formally validated, stakeholder feedback and priority actions documented, and clear guidance established to inform future project design and implementation.
These outcomes will directly shape the next phase of activities under the EU Technical Assistance Programme, aimed at improving food systems governance and enhancing the sustainability and resilience of Liberia’s marine artisanal fisheries sector.
Speaking during the opening session, the Deputy Director General for Technical Services at NaFAA, Hon. William Y. Boeh, representing the Director General-designate, commended the European Union for its continued support to the fisheries sector.
“This partnership with the European Union demonstrates a shared commitment to strengthening Liberia’s fisheries value chain, particularly at the community level where fish processors and fishmongers play a critical role,” Hon. Boeh said.
“Improving value addition and reducing post-harvest losses are essential to increasing incomes and ensuring food security.”He reaffirmed the Government of Liberia’s commitment to the sector, noting that artisanal fisheries remain a key pillar of national development and economic growth.
Earlier, the European Union Delegation to Liberia Programme Officer, Ms. Maria Winnubst, reaffirmed the EU’s readiness to work closely with NaFAA to improve fish handling, processing, and access to markets.
“The European Union has stepped up its support to Liberia’s fisheries sector and is determined to ensure that local fish processors and fishmongers are on par with their counterparts across the region,” Ms. Winnubst stated.
She added that through the EU Technical Assistance Programme, fish processors will gain critical technical skills to enable them to handle, process, and market fish more professionally and competitively.
