Liberia Moves to Attract Global Fisheries Investment

By Stephen G. Fellajuah

Margibi County, Liberia, March 31, 2026 — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has expressed strong optimism that Liberia is taking decisive steps to transform its fisheries sector into a modern, competitive, and investment-ready industry.

Delivering the keynote address at the opening of the National Fisheries Investment Conference, the President noted that through the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project, supported by the World Bank, the country is strengthening institutional capacity while directly improving livelihoods across coastal communities.

At the same time, the government is investing in infrastructure to unlock long-term growth. The design for Liberia’s fisheries harbor is nearing completion, while construction of a new national fisheries complex is expected to begin later this year. These investments aim to create a modern hub for fisheries management, logistics, and private sector engagement.

Looking ahead, President Boakai disclosed that his government is already working with the World Bank on a follow-on initiative to consolidate these gains, deepen public–private partnerships, expand investment opportunities, and create more jobs for Liberians.

Through the Liberia Integrated Fisheries Sector Strengthening Project, funded by the OPEC Fund for International Development, the government is building critical infrastructure to position Liberia to compete in regional and global seafood markets.

In addition, the government is constructing a modern fisheries competency laboratory to ensure international quality and safety standards for exports. Plans are also underway to establish Liberia’s first fisheries processing factory, which will add value to seafood products and create jobs across the value chain.

“We are developing dedicated landing sites for artisanal fishers to improve safety and resilience in the face of coastal erosion. And we are establishing Liberia’s first integrated commercial aquaculture farm, which will serve as an off taker for smallholder farmers and supply tilapia and catfish to both domestic and international markets,” he added.

Together, these initiatives are building the infrastructure, systems, and value chains needed to unlock Liberia’s blue economy, the President emphasized, adding that government alone cannot achieve this.

These efforts are creating clear opportunities for private investment, innovation, and partnership.

At the conference, the President also launched three foundational documents: a 10-year National Fisheries Strategic Plan, an investment plan, and a Public-Private Partnership Strategy to attract investment and guide the fisheries sector over the next decade. The President noted that these are not government documents alone; they are invitations to invest, to partner, and to grow with Liberia.

He highlighted the “Blue Investment Marketplace” as a platform showcasing tangible opportunities within the sector. He further emphasized Liberia’s commitment to regional cooperation.

He urged all regional partners attending the conference to maintain this momentum, noting that fish do not recognize borders, but “our cooperation must.”

President Boakai assured that while Liberia is open for business, it is not open for exploitation. He called for responsible partnerships that build local capacity, respect environmental standards, and ensure shared benefits for communities.

Held on March 30, 2026, the opening ceremony of the National Fisheries Investment Conference at Farmington Hotel in Margibi County brought together the Legislature, the Fisheries Committee for West and North Africa, officials from Morocco and Sierra Leone, and key development partners including the World Bank, the European Union, the African Development Bank, the diplomatic corps, international organizations, and private sector actors.

“We invite you to join us as partners in shaping a blue economy that delivers sustainable growth, strong returns on investment, and prosperity for the people of Liberia,” the Liberian leader told the audience.