By: Julius Konton
The European Union (EU) and the Government of Liberia have signed a landmark €25 million (approximately US$27 million) grant financing agreement aimed at transforming Liberia’s artisanal fisheries value chain, strengthening coastal livelihoods, improving food security, and accelerating the country’s sustainable blue economy agenda.
The six-year program is expected to benefit thousands of small-scale fishers, processors, and fishmongers across Liberia’s nine coastal counties, while reducing post-harvest losses, expanding local fish processing, and creating new employment opportunities, particularly for women and youth.
EU Reaffirms Long-Term Commitment to Liberia’s Fisheries Sector
Speaking at the signing ceremony, European Union Ambassador to Liberia, Lola Debris, described the agreement as a product of strong collaboration between the EU, the Government of Liberia, and key national institutions, including the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NAFAA), the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
“The European Union is proud to sign this grant in support of Liberia’s artisanal fisheries and value chain.
This agreement reflects excellent cooperation between our institutions and the Government of Liberia,” Ambassador Debris said.
She emphasized that the initiative falls under the “Team Europe” approach, bringing together EU member states and partners such as France, Germany, GIZ, and other development agencies to deliver coordinated and impactful support.
Aligning with Liberia’s ARREST Agenda and EU Global Priorities
Ambassador Debris noted that the program is fully aligned with Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, as well as national fisheries priorities aimed at sustainability, food security, and job creation.
On the EU side, the intervention reflects the bloc’s Global Gateway and Green Deal priorities, which focus on:
Sustainable resource use
Nature-based solutions for green recovery
Decent job creation
Poverty reduction and inclusive growth
“For the EU, the sustainable blue economy is not optional, it is essential.
Fisheries matter to Liberia’s GDP, food security, nutrition, and livelihoods, especially for coastal communities,” she stressed.
Fisheries: A Pillar of Liberia’s Economy and Food Security
Liberia’s fisheries sector employs an estimated 33,000–40,000 people directly, with over 60% of artisanal fish workers being women, mainly involved in processing and marketing.
Fish accounts for more than 60% of animal protein intake in the country, making it a critical pillar of national nutrition and food security.
Despite this importance, Liberia continues to import large volumes of frozen fish annually due to limited local processing capacity, cold storage shortages, and weak value-chain infrastructure.
“Recent concerns over imported frozen food highlight the urgency of shifting from dependency on imports to strengthening local production, processing, and transformation,” Ambassador Debris said.
Cold Storage, Ice Plants, and Market Access
The EU-funded program will invest heavily in:
Cold storage facilities
Ice-making plants
Improved fish landing and processing infrastructure
Food safety and sanitary standards
Capacity building for cooperatives and small businesses
These interventions are expected to significantly reduce post-harvest losses, which currently range between 20–30% in Liberia’s artisanal fisheries.
The program will initially focus on local and regional markets, while laying the groundwork for future export potential once regulatory and sanitary standards are met.
Tackling Illegal Fishing and Strengthening Governance
Ambassador Debris acknowledged persistent challenges, particularly Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, which has cost Liberia an estimated US$50 million annually in lost revenue.
She noted that while progress is being made through transparent and constructive dialogue with NAFAA, further reforms are required before EU fisheries restrictions can be lifted.
“There is a strong drive toward professionalism.
The EU–Liberia sustainable blue economy partnership is alive and moving forward,” she said.
EU–Liberia Business Forum to Drive Private Sector Investment
The Ambassador announced that the EU–Liberia Business Forum will be held in Brussels from February 24–25, providing a platform for European and Liberian businesses to connect, with fisheries identified as a priority investment sector.
The forum is also expected to serve as a precursor to Liberia’s Fisheries Investment Conference, scheduled for March, as announced by NAFAA’s Director General.
Liberia Hails EU as a Trusted and Tested Partner
Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, praised the EU as one of Liberia’s most reliable development partners.
“The EU has stood with Liberia in difficult times, including when others were retreating. This partnership has been tested and proven,” Minister Ngafuan said.
He highlighted the timeliness of recent EU budget support, noting that Liberia met all agreed performance targets to qualify for the assistance.
“This is grant assistance, and we are deeply grateful. You are helping us not just to eat fish, but to fish for ourselves,” he added.
Empowering Communities and Reducing Post-Harvest Losses
Minister Ngafuan emphasized that the agreement addresses “bread-and-butter issues” affecting everyday Liberians, particularly the lack of storage and preservation facilities.
“Cold storage and ice-making facilities will significantly reduce post-harvest losses and improve incomes for fisher families,” he said.
He also commended the EU’s broader investments in education and agriculture, including support to the University of Liberia and Tubman University, which are training professionals for critical sectors.
Private Sector at the Center of Future Growth
Minister Ngafuan underscored that the upcoming EU–Liberia Business Forum is not about aid alone, but about mobilizing private-sector investment.
“If we are serious about development, we must bring European and Liberian private sectors together in a win-win partnership,” he said.
He confirmed that sector ministries and Liberian businesses are preparing to present a new investment narrative to European partners.
“We will work to ensure that Liberia deserves this partnership,” the minister concluded.
