Freeport, Liberia –The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), Director General, J. Cyrus Saygbe Sr., has signed a contractual agreement with iCampus Liberia Consortium under the Liberia Integrated Fisheries Sector Strengthening Project (LIFSSP) to design, implement, and monitor the Liberian Women Sustainable Fisheries and Livelihood Incubator (LWSFILI) Program across Liberia’s nine coastal counties.
A NaFAA press release said the OPEC Fund for International Development funds the LWSFILI through the Liberia Integrated Fisheries Sector Strengthening Project (LIFSSP), implemented by NaFAA.
The signing ceremony, held on Monday at NaFAA’s headquarters in Monrovia, marks a significant milestone in the Government of Liberia’s efforts to promote women’s economic empowerment and strengthen sustainable livelihoods within the fisheries sector.
Speaking during the ceremony, Director General Saygbe described the initiative as a transformative investment that will equip women with the skills and opportunities needed to become successful entrepreneurs and leaders in Liberia’s fisheries value chain.
“The Liberian Women Sustainable Fisheries and Livelihood Incubator Program will provide entrepreneurship training, business incubation, technical skills development, and sustainable livelihood opportunities for women engaged in the fisheries sector. Through this program, women will be better equipped to establish and expand viable businesses, improve household incomes, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Liberia’s blue economy,” Mr. Saygbe said.
Director General Saygbe emphasized that the partnership demonstrates NaFAA’s unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth, encouraging innovation, and creating sustainable employment opportunities for women and coastal communities throughout the country.
The LWSFILI Program forms part of the broader Liberia Integrated Fisheries Sector Strengthening Project (LIFSSP), which seeks to enhance the resilience, productivity, and sustainability of Liberia’s fisheries sector while improving the livelihoods of coastal populations.
Responding on behalf of the iCampus Liberia Consortium team,the Chief Executive Officer Luther D. Jeke expressed appreciation to NaFAA for the confidence placed in the consortium to implement the program.
“We are grateful to NaFAA for its trust and partnership. Together with our consortium partners Business Start-Up Center Monrovia (BSC), Agro Tech Liberia, and the Liberia Research and Development Networks (LRDN) we are committed to delivering lasting impact for women, fishing communities, and coastal counties across Liberia,” Mr. Jeke stated.
He added that the partnership represents a shared vision of building stronger communities, empowering women entrepreneurs, and advancing a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable fisheries sector for future generations.
The LWSFILI Program is expected to create new opportunities for women through enterprise development, capacity building, mentorship, and access to business support services, ultimately contributing to national economic development and the sustainable growth of Liberia’s blue economy.