Liberia, Egypt sign groundbreaking agreement to boost fisheries sector

LIBERIA – Officials from Egypt and Liberia have formalized a strategic partnership to enhance the development of Liberia’s underdeveloped fisheries and aquaculture sectors. 

On Monday, November 25, in Cairo, Emma Metieh Glassco, the Director General of Liberia’s National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), and AlHussein Farahat Mohamed, the Executive Director of Egypt’s Lakes Protection and Fisheries Development Authority (LPRDA), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to share Egypt’s expertise in aquaculture and strengthen Liberia’s fishing industry.

The MoU marks a pivotal step in fostering technical cooperation between the two nations, with a strong focus on boosting aquaculture, expanding the production of native fish species, and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. 

Liberia’s fisheries sector has long faced challenges, including underdeveloped aquaculture and a reliance on artisanal fisheries, making this collaboration a vital opportunity for transformation.

The agreement between Egypt and Liberia is not just a technical partnership but a commitment to sustainable development. Egypt, a leader in African aquaculture, produced 2 million metric tons of fish in 2022, with 1.6 million metric tons coming from aquaculture. 

In contrast, Liberia’s aquaculture accounts for less than 5% of its total fish production. In 2022, Liberia produced just 29,300 metric tons of fish, yet its aquaculture output could have been higher, with projections indicating a modest growth of 3.4% in production by 2028. This highlights the urgent need for modernization in Liberia’s fisheries sector.

One of the major components of the MoU is the transfer of technical knowledge, including advanced tilapia farming techniques. Egypt will assist Liberia in transitioning from subsistence fishing to large-scale commercial aquaculture. 

This shift will involve training for Liberian farmers, researchers, and students, with exchanges between Egyptian and Liberian institutions, such as the University of Liberia.

Liberia faces numerous obstacles in its fisheries sector, with IUU fishing costing the country an estimated US$322 million annually. 

Despite a 570-kilometer coastline and a fishing zone of around 20,000 square kilometers, much of Liberia’s fishing industry remains small-scale and artisanal, accounting for 86% of its sector. 

The MoU outlines joint efforts to curb IUU fishing, enhance surveillance, and share data on authorized fishing vessels.

Additionally, the MoU will promote sustainable farming practices and environmental monitoring to ensure the health of Liberia’s aquatic ecosystems. 

This is crucial, as fish consumption in Liberia is expected to decrease over the next few years, with projections showing a drop from 9,500 metric tons in 2023 to 7,420 metric tons by 2028.

This partnership will also stimulate trade between the two nations, providing opportunities for private-sector participation. 

Egypt and Liberia recognize the importance of fisheries to food security and economic stability, particularly in the face of climate change and global economic disruptions. 

The collaboration is part of Egypt’s broader effort to strengthen ties with African nations and support sustainable development goals, including those outlined in Agenda 2063, the African Union’s development strategy.

Emma Metieh Glassco expressed Liberia’s enthusiasm for the partnership, aligning it with the country’s agricultural development agenda, ARREST, which prioritizes sustainable farming, including aquaculture. 

By tapping into Egypt’s technical expertise and successful aquaculture models, Liberia aims to overcome the current limitations in its fisheries sector and create a more resilient and economically viable industry.

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