By: Hope Times News Desk
A renewed wave of regional collaboration around marine resources and sustainable ocean-based development was on full display in Monrovia, where senior government officials, investors, and development partners gathered for the Liberia National Fisheries Investment Conference (Kpongama) 2026. The high-level forum, held from 30–31 March 2026, brought together key stakeholders to explore investment pathways within the fisheries and broader Blue Economy sector.
The conference, organized by the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NAFAA) under the leadership of its Director General, National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority Hon. J. Cyrus Saygbe Sr., carried the theme “Unlocking Blue Horizons: The Future of Fisheries and the Blue Economy.” It served as a strategic platform aimed at aligning government priorities with private sector interests while promoting sustainable practices and international best standards in marine resource management.
At the heart of the gathering was the official opening ceremony presided over by the President of the Republic of Liberia, Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., who described the term “Kpongama” a Kpelle expression meaning “The Gathering” as symbolic of unity, shared purpose, and national renewal. He emphasized that the conference reflects his administration’s determination to reposition Liberia’s fisheries sector as a driver of food security and economic transformation.
President Boakai further noted that Liberia’s Blue Economy holds vast untapped potential, often referred to by international observers as a “sleeping giant.” However, he stressed that while Liberia remains open to investment, it would not accept exploitative practices. He called for partnerships that prioritize sustainability, environmental protection, and local capacity development, reinforcing a vision of long-term national benefit rather than short-term extraction.
Sierra Leone was prominently represented at the conference by two senior cabinet ministers whose presence underscored growing regional cooperation in maritime affairs. The Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barlay, used her address to highlight the strategic importance of oceans and aquatic ecosystems as engines of economic transformation across West Africa. She noted that fisheries and marine resources should be viewed not only as environmental assets but also as critical pillars for investment, job creation, and sustainable development.
Hon. Barlay commended the conference for its investment-driven orientation, stressing that such platforms are essential in mobilizing capital for the growth of the Blue Economy. She expressed optimism that the engagement would open new doors for regional collaboration, particularly between Sierra Leone and Liberia, in areas such as shared investment frameworks, technical exchange, and private sector participation.
In a similar tone, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Princess Dugba, highlighted progress made within Sierra Leone’s own fisheries sector, particularly in improving infrastructure to support artisanal fisherfolk and strengthen value chains. She emphasized that cooperation between Sierra Leone and Liberia could yield significant economic benefits, including economies of scale, increased investor confidence, and improved regional competitiveness in fisheries and aquaculture.
The conference also featured technical presentations and partnership announcements aimed at accelerating sectoral development. Director General Saygbe announced two major agreements signed during the opening ceremony. The first partnership with Orange Money Liberia seeks to introduce digital financial services tailored for coastal and fishing communities, improving financial inclusion and access to modern payment systems. The second agreement with Electrans Limited will support feasibility studies for the development of the Robertsport Fish Landing Cluster, a project expected to enhance fisheries infrastructure and market access.
Beyond the formal proceedings, the conference also provided space for diplomatic engagement. At the close of the first day, Ministers Barlay and Dugba paid a courtesy visit to President Boakai, during which they conveyed fraternal greetings from the President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio. The meeting reaffirmed the strong historical and cultural bonds between Sierra Leone and Liberia, with both sides expressing commitment to deepening cooperation in trade, marine resource development, and regional integration.
The discussions further underscored a shared West African vision: transforming the Blue Economy into a central pillar of sustainable growth. With increasing interest from governments and private investors alike, the Monrovia conference marked a significant step toward repositioning fisheries as a strategic development frontier for coastal nations in the region.