Liberia: Nafaa-World Bank Fisheries Meeting in Thailand Advances Investment and Job Creation

What the report says

Liberia’s fisheries regulator is trying to turn a World Bank-backed fisheries program into a platform for new private investment, according to AllAfrica’s report from Liberian Investigator. The discussion took place in Bangkok on the sidelines of the 2026 annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, where National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority director general J. Cyrus Saygbe Sr. met with Valerie Hickey, the World Bank Group’s director for environment and blue economy.

The talks focused on the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project and how its results could be extended into broader economic activity. Saygbe said the project has disbursed more than 80% of its funding and has already made progress in fisheries management, aquaculture development and livelihood support. He argued that continued investment is needed to complete infrastructure plans and deepen the project’s impact.

According to the report, NaFAA sees opportunities for investors in aquaculture, fish processing, cold storage, transportation and related services. The agency says better infrastructure and a stronger business environment could help keep more value within Liberia while expanding commercial activity. It also says the sector should create jobs and improve incomes, especially for women and young people in fishing communities.

Hickey welcomed the project’s progress and urged continued cooperation. The two sides agreed that public investment and private enterprise will need to work together if Liberia is to strengthen fisheries businesses, attract investors and build a more sustainable value chain.