NaFAA Acting Chief Opts For Strong Partnership -Seeks to Drive Aquaculture Growth in West and Central Africa

MONROVIA – The Acting Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) of Liberia and Chairperson of the Fisheries Committee for the West and Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC), Mr. J. Cyrus Saygbe Sr., says the future of aquaculture in the region must be anchored in robust public-private partnerships (PPPs).

Mr. Saygbe asserted that out of every 100 jobs created globally, nearly 90 are driven by the private sector, and remarkable statistics underscores a truth “we must all embrace.”

He said, “If we are to stimulate inclusive growth, create jobs, and transform livelihoods, especially through aquaculture, the private sector must be front and center in our strategy.”

The acting NaFFA boss spoke at the Second Regional Seminar on Aquaculture Development, held in Abidjan Monday, a high-level seminar co-organized by MIRAH Côte d’Ivoire and supported by JICA, which brought together public and private sector actors across FCWC Member States to explore strategies for boosting aquaculture investment and industrialization in West and Central Africa.

Highlighting Liberia’s example, Mr. Saygbe revealed that the country is reconstructing government-owned hatcheries and feed mills which will be managed by the private sector under a PPP framework.

He emphasized that this initiative reflects Liberia’s shift from subsistence fish farming to an industrial aquaculture model, capable of attracting sustainable private sector investment.

“As President of the FCWC, I recognize the urgent need to scale up aquaculture production,” he said. “This is not only critical for meeting the growing nutritional needs of our populations but also essential for creating employment opportunities—especially for youth and women—and for reducing the pressure on our overexploited marine resources.”

He further noted that governments across the FCWC region are actively seeking innovative and inclusive approaches to unlock the sector’s potential, and called for a unified regional commitment to transform aquaculture through collaboration.

“This seminar could not have come at a better time,” he added. “It provides a critical platform to share experiences, reflect on shared challenges, and explore investment-driven solutions that align with global development goals—SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).”

Mr. Saygbe also made several key announcements during his address: that Liberia will host World Fisheries Day on November 21, 2025, in Monrovia. Formal invitations have been extended to all FCWC member states and development partners, including JICA, and that a Fisheries Investment Conference will be held in February 2026 in Liberia. The event will showcase bankable aquaculture ventures across the region and promote targeted engagement with the private sector. Member states are encouraged to propose potential invitees.

He stressed that under the leadership of His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., Liberia is advancing a bold and comprehensive strategy for fisheries development, including a new PPP policy that outlines investment incentives, institutional frameworks, and innovation priorities.

“The management of NaFAA, in partnership with the World Bank, is reconstructing key infrastructure to be operated by the private sector. Our aim is to build commercially viable and sustainable aquaculture value chains—from seed to feed, grow-out to market,” he said. “If we are to attract private sector investment, we must industrialize—not remain focused on subsistence farming.”

He urged member states to unite in action, as “now is the time to harness the power of collaboration and transform aquaculture across the region”.

The three-day regional seminar continues through August 6, 2025, with technical sessions, investment dialogues and site visits aimed at fostering innovation, partnership, and scalable impact across the aquaculture value chain.