Liberia – NaFAA, Orange Liberia, and FAO Partner to Host Second Fish Market Day
The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) of Liberia successfully hosted its second Fish Market Day at Invincible Park in partnership with Orange Liberia through its Orange Money platform, with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and West Africa Enterprise Network. The initiative forms part of NaFAA’s ongoing efforts to promote fish consumption, strengthen fisheries value chains, and expand market opportunities for small-scale fisheries actors across Liberia.
Speaking at the official opening, the Director General of NaFAA provided an overview of the Quarterly Fish Market Day initiative, describing it as a strategic platform to connect fish farmers and fishmongers directly with consumers while strengthening the fisheries value chain. He emphasized that the initiative is intended to create consistent market opportunities for fisheries actors while promoting locally produced fish and seafood products.
For his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Orange Liberia highlighted the importance of the partnership with NaFAA, noting that such collaboration supports the Authority’s efforts to digitize its operations. He explained that the integration of Orange Money into the market day initiative not only simplifies transactions but also encourages fish traders and consumers to adopt secure digital payment systems.
Representing FAO, Musa Sanoe underscored the significance of the event, stating that these are the kinds of initiatives the FAO strongly supports because they address critical gaps in the fisheries sector, particularly those related to market access for small-scale producers.
As part of the partnership, customers who purchased fish and seafood products using Orange Money received a 10 percent discount on every purchase. This incentive made fresh and locally sourced fish more affordable for consumers while encouraging greater adoption of digital financial services among fishmongers and buyers.
The event brought together 50 pulse fishmongers and aquaculture farmers from Montserrado, Grand Bassa, and Grand Cape Mount counties, who showcased a variety of fish and seafood products while interacting directly with consumers. The vibrant marketplace highlighted the vital role fisheries play in food security, livelihoods, and local economic growth.
In remarks on behalf of fisheries stakeholders, the head of All Liberia Fisheries and Aquaculture Cooperative Network(ALFISWENET) and a fish farmer representing a cooperative from Nimba County thanked NaFAA and its partners for organizing what they described as a timely and impactful initiative that provides greater visibility and market opportunities for fish producers and traders.
The Registrar General of the Cooperative Development Agency, Lord Kandakai, officially declared the event open. She praised NaFAA for the innovation, noting that bringing together consumers and sellers in such an organized marketplace strengthens local businesses while promoting cooperation within Liberia’s fisheries sector.
The Organized Fish Market Day is significant for fishmongers and fish farmers because it provides a reliable platform to sell their products, expand their networks, and increase the visibility of locally produced fish. The event also supports income generation for small-scale fisheries actors while encouraging greater public appreciation for fish as a nutritious and sustainable food source.
This second Fish Market Day builds on the success of the inaugural event held earlier at the NaFAA Head Office and further strengthens collaboration between government institutions, private sector partners, and development organizations working together to support fisheries businesses and advance Liberia’s growing blue economy.
Source : NaFAA
