By: Melvin Flomo
Klay, Bomi County – May 9, 2025 — In a major step toward revitalizing Liberia’s fisheries sector, the Government of Liberia, through the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) with support from the World Bank, has broken ground for the construction of a modern aquaculture hatchery in Klay District, Bomi County. NaFAA is implementing the Liberia Sustainable management of fisheries project.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held Friday, signals the start of the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project aimed at strengthening the country's aquaculture industry, improving food security, and boosting rural employment.
The event attracted senior government officials, local leaders, representatives of civil society groups, international partners, and student organizations, all celebrating what is seen as a transformative investment for the future of Liberia’s fish farming sector.
Once completed, the Klay hatchery will operate under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement. NaFAA plans to competitively recruit a private firm to manage the facility, in a bid to foster private sector investment, spur innovation, and build stronger market networks for local fish farmers.
Speaking at the ceremony, NaFAA Acting Director General, Hon. Cyrus Saygbe highlighted the challenges facing the fisheries sector, including limited access to affordable financing and the lack of quality fingerlings, issues that have long driven up production costs and constrained sector growth.
Mr. Saygbe said the project aligns with NaFAA’s broader decentralization efforts to strengthen the fisheries value chain, improve operational efficiency, and ensure long-term sustainability.
Authorities believe the Klay hatchery could be a game-changer, positioning aquaculture as a key driver of Liberia’s economy and improving livelihoods in rural communities.
