WB Official Extols Fisheries Sector Progress -Says Liberia’s Fisheries Sector on the Rise

MONROVIA – The World Bank has commended the Government of Liberia’s efforts to transform the fisheries sector, highlighting significant progress in education, income-generation, private sector engagement, and institutional capacity building. The commissioning of the Sea King, a semi-industrial fishing vessel, marks a major milestone in Liberia’s fisheries development, demonstrating the country’s commitment to responsible marine governance and sustainable development. The Analyst reports.

The World Bank has praised the Government of Liberia’s efforts to transform the fisheries sector, citing significant progress in education, income-generation, private sector engagement, and institutional capacity building.

The commissioning of the Sea King, a semi-industrial fishing vessel, marks a major milestone in Liberia’s fisheries development.

“Today, we celebrate a sector on the rise,” said Georgia Wallen, World Bank Country Manager for Liberia.

“Liberia’s fisheries sector is poised to drive economic growth, food security, and job creation, with the Sea King vessel serving as a symbol of the country’s commitment to responsible marine governance and sustainable development.”

The Sea King vessel is part of the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project, a joint initiative between the Government of Liberia and the World Bank. The project aims to strengthen the country’s fisheries management, improve livelihoods, and increase economic benefits from the sector.

Wallen highlighted four key areas to sustain Liberia’s fisheries transformation: investment in infrastructure, innovation, and skills; strengthening institutional capacity; inclusive stakeholder engagement; and promoting partnerships between private operators and artisanal fishers.

The commissioning of the Sea King vessel is a significant step towards realizing Liberia’s vision of a thriving, investment-ready fisheries sector, creating jobs, innovation, and partnerships with the private sector.

“Thank you for the chance to join you in celebrating World Fisheries Day in Liberia for the first time… but certainly not the last! Today is an opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to the immense value that healthy oceans and resilient fisheries bring to national development, food security, and community well-being,” she said in her opening remarks.

She continued: “My message today is very simple.  It’s something we can all perceive,… see,… and feel: Liberia’s fisheries sector is on the rise! True progress comes from a people-centered approach that places coastal communities, artisanal fishers, women, and youth at the heart of decision-making—empowering them, protecting marine resources, creating good jobs, and helping communities thrive in a changing climate. 

“The World Bank is honored to partner with the Government of Liberia in driving the strategic transformation of the fisheries sector, including through the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project.  We are working with all stakeholders in the sector to unlock the immense potential of fisheries and aquaculture as catalysts for economic growth, food security, and job creation.”

How can we tell that the fisheries sector is on the rise?

The World Bank official proffered her idea, stating: “Investments in education and human capital: A cornerstone of this effort is investment in human capital, including the new fisheries academic program at the University of Liberia, supported by modern infrastructure, to cultivate the next generation of fisheries professionals.”

She also spoke of ‘efforts to boost income-generation, which according to her required the aquaculture farmers and supporting women entrepreneurs with grants and skills in sustainability, finance, and modern practices is expanding livelihoods and creating real economic opportunities.

She continued: “Engaging the private sector:  Investments such as the new Klay hatchery, an incubator program for new canoes, and initiatives to attract private investment are positioning fisheries as a dynamic engine of jobs and growth.

“Building institutions and promoting digitalization:  At the same time, NaFAA has digitized operations into a one-stop service center for fishers and processors, while strengthening monitoring, control, and surveillance systems to improve transparency, governance, and accountability.”

She insisted that these achievements – and many more – reflect a sector on the rise–a sector that empowers women and youth, creates good jobs, and builds national skills while safeguarding Liberia’s marine wealth.

“Today, we honor the fishers who go to sea, the women and men who process and trade fish, and the coastal communities who protect Liberia’s marine heritage,” Warren said further, adding that “their resilience and contributions to food security remind us why building a sustainable, competitive, and resilient fisheries sector is essential—one that creates opportunities, empowers communities, and protects our natural resources.”

She said the commissioning was “a step towards a long-term vision of a thriving fisheries sector with safe, secure, profitable artisanal fishing complemented by semi-industrial fishing.  Both have a role in helping Liberians to harness the country’s immense marine resources in a sustainable manner.”

The fisheries sector has much more potential to increase food security in Liberia while nurturing an export industry that can help feed the region, the Continent, and the world, she said, noting: “ We’d like to highlight some keys to realizing Liberia’s ambitious vision: First, sustained investment in infrastructure, innovation, and skills to empower fishers—especially women and youth—to benefit from job opportunities and fully participate in Liberia’s Blue Transformation.

Second, continued efforts to strengthen NAFAA’s institutional capacity.  This is key for effective monitoring and surveillance to ensure safety at sea for all artisanal fishers and industrial vessels. The goal is to ensure accountability, data-driven management, and responsible fisheries management through the enforcement of fair, even-handed regulations.”

Third, she mentioned a strong commitment to inclusive stakeholder engagement and communication. This will bring together the Government, artisanal fishers, the private sector, coastal communities, and development partners for decision-making that is transparent, participatory, and grounded in local realities.

She concluded: “Finally, promoting partnerships that link private commercial operators with artisanal fishers through shared infrastructure, value-chain development, and skills transfer. NAFAA plays an essential role in ensuring that private investment can drive economic growth to create jobs, opportunity, and a path to shared prosperity.”

She recognized NAFAA’s leadership and longstanding dedication as well as the excellent work of NaFAA’s technical teams, adding: “Your efforts demonstrate what is possible when government, communities, and development partners come together around a shared vision.  Many thanks also to the World Bank team and Liberia’s development partners to their commitment to Liberia’s success in the fisheries sector.”