MONROVIA — Liberia is taking some decisive steps towards unlocking investment in the blue economy, first beginning with the launch of National Fisheries Investment Conference 2026, popularly known as “Kpongama 2026.”
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
The Director General of Liberia’s National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), J. Cyrus Saygbe Sr., described the gathering as a “historic platform” aimed at mobilizing global investment, strengthening partnerships and accelerating development in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
To be held under the theme: “Unlocking the Blue Horizons: The Future of Fisheries and the Blue Economy,” the two-day conference will be held at the Farmington Hotel in Margibi County.
DG Saygbe says the conference will attract participants from 21 countries across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America, including major economies such as the United States, China and the United Arab Emirates, alongside regional players like Ghana, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
The event will bring together investors, policymakers, fisheries experts and development partners, all focused on expanding opportunities within Liberia’s largely untapped fisheries sector.
The conference will open with a keynote address from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who is also expected to launch three key policy frameworks: a 10-Year Strategic Plan; a National Fisheries Investment Plan and aPublic-Private Partnership (PPP) Strategy.
The NaFAA boss furthered that these documents will guide long-term investment, governance and sustainable growth in the sector.
DG Saygbe also announced plans to sign key partnership agreements during the conference, including a deal with Orange Liberia to operationalize the country’s first semi-industrial fiberglass fishing vessel, known as the “Sea King.”
Another agreement, he indicated, will focus on renovating and operationalizing the Robertsport Fishing Cluster in Grand Cape Mount County, a move expected to boost local fisheries infrastructure and create jobs.
In addition, Liberia will present three major investment-ready projects, namely: The Liberia Industrial Fishing Harbour; the Liberia Industrial Fishing Fleet and the Liberia Industrial Integrated Aquaculture and Inland Off-Taker Farms
He pointed out that these projects form part of the government’s broader fisheries modernization agenda.
“Kpongama 2026” will also feature two days of technical discussions, including nine thematic sessions covering areas such as sustainable fisheries management, financing the blue economy, climate resilience, and technology-driven innovation.
More than 40 panelists, both Liberian and international experts, are expected to contribute to discussions aimed at producing actionable outcomes.
The NaFAA boss told the pre-conference launch that the massive gathering aligns with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development or AAID, which prioritizes economic growth, infrastructure, governance and human capital development.
DG Saygbe highlighted fisheries as a key driver of food security, job creation, and private sector investment, noting that the sector is increasingly viewed as a cornerstone of national transformation.
He also acknowledged the support of major development partners, including the World Bank Group, European Union, UNDP, and the OPEC Fund for International Development.
“These partnerships are not just support, they are investments in Liberia’s future,” officials noted.
“The tide is rising, the opportunities are here, and Liberia is ready for business,” Mr. Saygbe declared as all eyes now set on the much-publicized “Kpongama 2026.”
As anticipation builds, NaFAA head asserted that Kpongama 2026 is more than just a conference, but a “national declaration” of Liberia’s readiness to embrace the opportunities of the blue economy.
