FREEPORT BUSHROD ISLAND, Liberia – Liberia’s two-day National Fisheries Investment Conference branded “Kpongama 2026”, a landmark event set to position Liberia as a leading hub for fisheries and blue economy investment in West Africa officially begins Today, Monday March 30 to 31, 2026, at the Farmington Hotel in Margibi County. The conference is being held under the theme: “Unlocking the Blue Horizons: The Future of Fisheries and the Blue Economy.”
The Fisheries Investment Conference is described as Liberia’s premier fisheries investment platform, Kpongama 2026 has already convened stakeholders from 21 countries across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America, including investors, policymakers, development partners, and global industry experts.
Speaking over the weekend during a press conference, ahead of the International Fisheries gathering, the Director General of the Liberian J. Cyrus Saygbe Sr. emphasized that the initiative is a flagship effort aligned with Liberia’s national development priorities and the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
Mr. Saygbe highlighted that the conference aimed to mobilize large-scale investment into fisheries and aquaculture, strengthen public-private partnerships, showcase Liberia’s vast but underutilized marine resources and promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
“Fisheries remain a critical sector for Liberia, contributing to food security, employment, and livelihoods, while offering significant untapped investment potential” the Liberian Fisheries Director General stressed.
Speaking further Mr. Saygbe indicated that President of Liberia, Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., is expected to deliver the keynote address and launch three transformative policy frameworks. The framework include, a 10-Year Fisheries Strategic Plan, a National Fisheries Investment Plan,and a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Strategy.
“These frameworks will guide the long-term development, governance, and investment landscape of the sector” NaFAA Boss stated during the press conference.
Commenting on efforts by the Government of Liberia to attract major investment opportunities during the conference , Mr. Saygbe stated the government will present to partners key bankable investment projects, including, the development of a Liberia Industrial Fishing Harbour, establishment of a Liberian Industrial Fishing Fleet, and creation of an Industrial Aquaculture and Inland Off-Taker System.
Saygbe added that these initiatives signal Liberia’s readiness to welcome both domestic and international investors.
Additionally the Liberian Fisheries Authority Director General disclosed that the Liberian government will sign major partnership agreements including, including a collaboration with Orange Liberian to operationalize Liberia’s first semi-industrial fiberglass fishing vessel, the Sea King and a private-sector agreement to develop the Robertsport Fishing Cluster in Grand Cape Mount County.
“these agreements are expected to generate jobs, strengthen infrastructure, and boost productivity in the sector.Kpongama 2026 will feature, including nine thematic sessions covering investment, sustainability, climate resilience, innovation, and market access , 44 panelists, including leading Liberian and international experts and High-level participation from regional governments, development institutions, and global fisheries networks”.
Mr. Saygbe stated that NaFAA acknowledged the contributions of key partners, including the World Bank, European Union, United Nations Development Programme, OPEC Fund for International Development, Catholic Relief Services, and private sector actors.He emphasized that Kpongama 2026 is more than a conference it is a defining moment in Liberia’s development journey.
“Kpongama is not just a gathering—it is a national declaration. Liberia is ready. The Blue Economy is calling. And the future of fisheries starts now,” said a NaFAA press release signed by its Communications and Media Services Director, Lewis E.B. Konoe.