IPNEWS: The Government of Liberia, through the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), has officially began preparations for the 2026 Fisheries Investment Conference, locally called “Gbórgúamáh,” which means “The Gathering” in the Kpelle language. The announcement was made on Tuesday during a press conference at NaFAA’s headquarters on Bushrod Island, signaling the start of what is expected to become one of West Africa’s most significant blue economy gatherings.
Scheduled for March 30–31, 2026, the conference aims to attract global investors, policymakers, scientists, and development partners to explore and unlock the potential of Liberia’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Acting Director General Cyrus S. Saygbe described the launch as the start of a transformative journey for the sector. “Today marks the beginning of our journey toward a landmark event… which will convene global investors, innovators, policymakers, and leaders committed to sustainable fisheries and aquaculture,” he said.
Saygbe underscored the urgency for reform and innovation within Liberia’s fisheries sector. Despite being a vital engine for livelihoods and food security, he noted that the sector has been surviving rather than progressing, held back by limited investment, a narrow revenue base, and outdated systems. “Our fisheries sector, while vital, is currently surviving rather than progressing,” he said. “This Government… has prioritized diversifying revenue streams for NaFAA—moving away from over-reliance on industrial vessel licensing toward more reliable and sustainable sources of revenue.”
He stressed that Gbórgúamáh is not intended to be a ceremonial event but a serious platform for meaningful transformation. “This event is not merely a gathering; it is a platform to unlock investments, stimulate innovation, and forge partnerships that will underpin the modernization and expansion of the sector,” Saygbe said.
Despite a 580-kilometer coastline and rich inland water bodies, Liberia imports more than 33,000 metric tons of fish annually. Weak governance systems, insufficient cold storage and market infrastructure, limited aquaculture development, post-harvest losses, and the ongoing threat of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing continue to suppress national production. International institutions—including the World Bank, FAO, and AfDB—have referred to Liberia’s fisheries as a “sleeping giant” with the potential to become a major driver of economic growth, job creation, and food security if properly harnessed.
As part of the conference, NaFAA will officially launch three major policy instruments that will shape the future of Liberia’s fisheries over the next decade: the Liberia Fisheries Strategic Plan, the Fisheries Investment Plan, and a comprehensive National Aquaculture Strategy. These frameworks will guide the sector’s modernization through strengthened governance, scientific research, climate resilience, value chain upgrades, aquaculture expansion, and increased private-sector participation.
Saygbe explained that the conference will bring together national leaders, regional fisheries bodies, international donors, private operators, artisanal fishing groups, women’s cooperatives, youth organizations, and academic institutions. Discussions will explore financing opportunities, public–private partnerships, innovations in monitoring and surveillance, export facilitation, infrastructure modernization, and climate-smart fisheries development. The conference will also amplify Liberia’s role in regional cooperation efforts, particularly in combating IUU fishing and standardizing fisheries governance.
A highlight of Gbórgúamáh will be the Blue Investment Marketplace, an immersive showcase of Liberia’s top investment opportunities and sector assets. Exhibits will range from aquaculture demonstrations and hatchery models to landing-site infrastructure, cold chain technologies, boat manufacturing, fish feed production, fisheries laboratory systems, and research partnerships. The Marketplace will serve as a direct matchmaking hub between investors and project developers.
To ensure successful execution, Saygbe announced that Golden Touch Corporation has been competitively selected to lead the conference’s preparation and delivery. The firm will immediately begin extensive consultations across the fisheries value chain, engaging artisanal fishers, private operators, development partners, community leaders, and regional actors. “Your input will be instrumental in identifying viable investment opportunities, promoting innovative solutions, and strengthening the systems that support sustainable fisheries management and aquaculture growth,” he told stakeholders.
Early registration for the conference has now opened, enabling institutions, companies, and individuals to secure participation and exhibition space ahead of the March event.
Saygbe reaffirmed NaFAA’s commitment to building a modern, inclusive, and resilient fisheries sector. “Together—government, private sector, development partners, and communities—we can build a future where Liberia’s fisheries resources generate greater value, create sustainable jobs, and remain a cornerstone of economic prosperity for generations to come,” he said.
