By: Akoi M. Baysah, Jr.
The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) on Monday officially launched the preparation phase for the 2026 Fisheries Investment Conference, initiating a nationwide stakeholder engagement process ahead of the main event scheduled for March 30–31, 2026.
The ceremony, held at NaFAA’s Headquarters in Monrovia, brought together members of the Board of Directors, sector professionals, private-sector actors, development partners, and the media.Speaking at the event, NaFAA Acting Director General J. Cyrus Saygbe described the conference as a major turning point for Liberia’s fisheries sector.
“This conference is a landmark opportunity to position Liberia’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors as engines for economic diversification, sustainable food systems, and long-term national growth,” Saygbe said.
He noted that despite the sector’s importance to food security and employment, it remains significantly underdeveloped.
“Our fisheries sector, though critical to livelihoods, is still constrained,” he stated. “This is why the Government of Liberia, under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., has prioritized sector modernization and the diversification of NaFAA’s revenue streams.”
According to Saygbe, part of this shift includes reducing the Authority’s over-reliance on industrial vessel licensing.
“We aim to transition toward more stable and sustainable sources of financing that better support our mandate,” he said.
Saygbe revealed that NaFAA has already developed a comprehensive Resource Mobilization Strategy, with the Fisheries Investment Conference serving as a major pillar in that effort. He said the event is expected to attract global investors, innovators, policymakers, and technical experts interested in unlocking investment-ready opportunities across the fisheries value chain.
As part of the preparation, NaFAA also announced the development of three major sector documents, A Ten-Year Fisheries Strategic Plan, a Fisheries Investment Plan, and a dedicated Aquaculture Strategy.
“These documents will lay out a long-term roadmap for sector reform, private-sector engagement, and community empowerment,” Saygbe disclosed. “We expect to launch them formally during the 2026 conference.”
To ensure a well-coordinated process, Saygbe announced that Golden Touch Corporation has been competitively selected to lead the planning and execution of the conference. “Golden Touch Corporation will engage stakeholders across the fisheries value chain, including government agencies, private investors, fishers’ associations, technology firms, and coastal communities, to help shape the conference agenda and investment showcases,” he said.
He has further encouraged all stakeholders to participate actively. “Your contributions are essential. Inclusive consultations will help us identify viable investment opportunities and drive innovation across the sector,” Saygbe emphasized.
The NaFAA Acting DG also announced the opening of early registration for the 2026 Fisheries Investment Conference and encouraged institutions and individuals to secure their participation early.
“NaFAA is committed to building partnerships that unlock the economic potential of Liberia’s waters,” he assured. “Together, we can create jobs, attract investments, and strengthen resilience for fishing communities nationwide.”
