NaFAA Launches Modern Aquaculture Hatchery to Boost Liberia’s Fisheries Sector

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ADNews-Bomi, County, Liberia: The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), through the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project (LSMEP), has officially broke ground to construct a state-of-the-art aquaculture hatchery in Clay District, Bomi County aims at revitalizing and expanding Liberia’s aquaculture sector, enhancing food security, improving livelihoods, and contributing to economic growth.

Funded by the World Bank,  the Hatchery is poised to become the primary source of high-quality fingerlings for fish farmers across the country,  strengthening food security,  improving livelihoods, and contributing to national economic growth.

Speaking at the launch on Friday, May 9, 2014, held at  Klay Agriculture  Vocation  Training  Center (KAVTC) in Bomi County,  NaFAA  Acting Director General,  J. Cyrus Saygbe, Sr. characterized the event as a significant moment in transforming   Liberia’s fisheries and aquaculture sector, symbolizing not only their perseverance but their shared aspiration to build a more food-secure, economically vibrant, and inclusive nation.

“This marks the beginning of a thriving aquaculture industry built on local innovation and self-reliance,” Saygbe said. “For too long, fish farmers have faced limited access to affordable, quality fingerlings. This facility changes that.”

Saygbe emphasized that the reconstruction of the Klay Hatchery ushers in a new era characterized by accessibility, empowerment, and growth. Farmers will no longer be burdened by the financial and logistical challenges of importing fingerlings. Instead, they will benefit from a reliable domestic supply of commercial-grade fingerlings.

“This facility will be more than just a production center—it will be a cornerstone of national development,” he added. “Through reduced operational costs, increased productivity, and improved market readiness, we are enabling our farmers to compete and thrive.”

To ensure long-term impact, NaFAA plans to deploy a team of trained specialists to provide technical assistance, extension services, and continuous capacity-building. Saygbe also revealed that the hatchery will address critical challenges in fish feed and research.

“A dedicated R&D wing will explore the use of locally sourced raw materials for feed production, reducing dependence on costly imports,” he said. “Partnering with academic institutions and the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI), we will generate innovative, evidence-based practices tailored for Liberia.”

Additionally, the hatchery will support post-harvest handling, value chain coordination, and business development, enhancing farmers’ competitiveness in local and international markets. The facility will operate under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, aimed at attracting private investment and connecting producers with processors and buyers.

As part of NaFAA’s decentralization efforts, the Authority is also strengthening its institutional resilience. By diversifying revenue through licensing reforms, PPPs, and value-added services, NaFAA aims to reduce reliance on donor funding and ensure sustained service delivery.

“We express our sincere gratitude to the World Bank for its unwavering support toward strengthening Liberia’s food systems and national development,” Saygbe concluded.

World Bank Country Director for Liberia, Madam Georgia Wallen, reaffirmed her organization’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s fisheries and agriculture sectors through the LSMEP.

“Today marks a key milestone in our partnership,” Wallen said. “The World Bank is dedicated to ending extreme poverty, promoting shared prosperity, and supporting initiatives that enhance job creation, food security, and climate resilience.”

She noted that the Klay Hatchery will serve as a vital platform for economic growth and employment. On behalf of the World Bank, she congratulated NaFAA and the Government of Liberia for their leadership in achieving this significant milestone.