Liberia – National Fisheries Investment Conference (NFIC) Kpongama 2026
Liberia Launches “Kpongama 2026,” Opening a New Era of Sustainable Fisheries Investment and Blue Economy Growth
The Government of Liberia on Monday, March 30, 2026 officially commenced its inaugural National Fisheries Investment Conference, “Kpongama 2026,” marking a major milestone in unlocking the full potential of the country’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Held at the Farmington Hotel under the theme “Unlocking Blue Horizons: The Future of Fisheries and the Blue Economy,” the conference convened delegates from twenty-one countries, including regional ministers, international investors, development partners, and private sector leaders. The strong global participation reflects growing confidence in Liberia as a promising destination for responsible and sustainable fisheries investment.
Officially opening the conference, the Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai declared Liberia’s fisheries sector “open for responsible and sustainable investment,” emphasizing that this new chapter is focused on improving livelihoods, increasing national fish production, and boosting revenue—not exploitation. Invoking the Kpelle word “Kpongama,” meaning “the gathering,” the President highlighted the importance of unity and shared purpose in transforming a sector widely regarded as a “sleeping giant.”
Despite Liberia’s 579-kilometer coastline and abundant marine resources, the country continues to import over 33,000 metric tons of fish annually. President Boakai pointed to key structural challenges, including the absence of a dedicated fishing harbor, limited cold storage and processing infrastructure, and inadequate support for artisanal fishers, who produce approximately 80% of domestic fish supply. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to addressing these challenges through strategic investments in public-private partnerships, value chain development, and job creation.
Key initiatives announced during the first day of the Kpongama include the development of critical fisheries infrastructure such as a national fishing harbor, a modern fisheries complex, a state-of-the-art laboratory to meet export standards, a fish processing facility, and Liberia’s first integrated commercial aquaculture farm. These efforts are being supported by international partners, including the World Bank and the OPEC Fund for International Development. Additional interventions focus on strengthening artisanal fisheries, deploying modern technologies to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, and enhancing regional cooperation through frameworks such as the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea.
Earlier, officially welcoming the local and international delegates to the conference, NaFAA Director General J. Cyrus Saygbe Sr. described the conference as a defining moment in Liberia’s developmental journey, signaling a transition from potential to
action. He emphasized that Liberia’s rich marine biodiversity, inland water systems, and strategic geographic position present vast opportunities for economic growth, food security, and employment.
Reaffirming alignment with national and regional frameworks including the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, the African Union Blue Economy Strategy, and ECOWAS fisheries policies, Mr. Saygbe called for stronger collaboration among investors, development partners, financial institutions, and local communities. He stressed that while the government will provide an enabling environment, the private sector will play a leading role in driving transformation.
As part of the conference’s opening-day highlights, NaFAA signed two landmark Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to modernize the sector and strengthen critical infrastructure. A strategic partnership with Orange Money Liberia will introduce digital financial services across the fisheries value chain, enhancing transparency, efficiency, and financial inclusion—particularly for coastal communities.
Additionally, NaFAA formalized an agreement with Electrans Limited to conduct feasibility assessments for the Robertsport Fish Landing Cluster in Grand Cape Mount County, a key step toward revitalizing fisheries infrastructure in one of Liberia’s major coastal hubs.
Kpongama 2026 sets a clear and ambitious path forward for Liberia’s fisheries and aquaculture sector, anchored on sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth. The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all investments uphold environmental standards, build local capacity, and deliver tangible benefits to Liberian communities.
As Liberia positions itself within the global blue economy, the conference signals a new era of opportunity driven by strategic partnerships, modern infrastructure, and a shared vision for a resilient and prosperous fisheries sector.
Source : NaFAA
