Declares Fisheries Sector “Ready For Investment”
Margibi County – Liberia is “open for business, but not for exploitation,” President Joseph N. Boakai, alarmed as he urged international investors and regional partners to take advantage of new prospects in the nation’s fishing industry. The keynote speaker at the opening of the National Fisheries Investment conference on Monday, March 30, 2026, at the Farmington Hotel in lower Margibi Country, emphasized Liberia’s commitment to turn its abundant but underutilized marine resources into a catalyst for economic expansion, job creation, and food security.
The president noted that Liberia imports more than 3,000 metric tonnes of fish a year despite having more than 570 kilometres of coastline and a wealth of marine life. The administration claims it is committed to reversing this contradiction through focused reforms and investment. “Our fisheries sector can no longer remain a sleeping giant. We are not just talking about transformation, we are building it,” he added.
Boakai, however, highlighted broad reforms intended to move away from the use of industrial fishing licence fees toward a more inclusive, private sector-driven approach based on value chain development and public-private partnerships. The President added that the strategy will increase exports while ensuring that jobs and income stays in Liberia.
President Boakai highlighted several significant achievements, including a 25-year fisheries support program obtained from the European Union and collaborations with the World Bank to boost livelihoods, modernise the industry, and fortify infrastructure.
Additionally, he confirmed continued cooperation with Orange Liberia to implement solar-powered cold storage facilities and mobile-based solutions to lower post-harvest losses and boost productivity for small-scale fishermen. The Liberia leader further revealed plans to operationalize key infrastructure, including the long-idle Mesurado fisheries cluster, and to construct a modern national fisheries complex to serve as a hub for processing, logistics, and exports.
Boakai announced a 34% drop in industrial fishing licence costs, along with incentives, better fishing equipment, and training programs, especially aimed at women and young people, in an effort to assist artisanal fishers, who provide around 80% of Liberia’s domestic fish supply.
President Boakai reiterated Liberia’s regional commitment to working with member nations of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea to tackle illicit, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
He cautioned that future generations’ livelihoods and the sustainability of marine resources are at risk due to unregulated illegal fishing. “We must act together. Fish do not recognize borders, but our cooperation must,” he stated.
Looking ahead, he said that the conference also marked the unveiling of a 10-year National Fisheries Strategic Plan, an investment roadmap, and a public-private partnership framework, documents officials say will guide sector growth and attract responsible investment.
Boakai stressed that although Liberia welcomes investors, it will give priority to collaborations that promote equitable benefits for communities, local capacity building, and environmental sustainability. “Liberia is increasingly being recognized as a destination for responsible, sustainable, and profitable investment. The time to invest is now,” he said.
The President revealed that the conference, which includes an investment marketplace displaying opportunities along the fisheries value chain, is anticipated to spark new agreements and strengthen regional cooperation.
President Boakai announced the event’s official opening and expressed hope that the meeting will produce real results. “When the net comes up heavy, the entire village celebrates. Today, we cast our nets wide, may this effort bring prosperity to all Liberians,” he narrated.
Photo credit: Executive Mansion
