The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) has officially launched preparations for the 2026 International Fisheries Investment Conference, a landmark global event scheduled for March 30–31, 2026. The fisheries investment conference named “Gborguamah” is unlocking the blue horizon, the future of fisheries, and the blue economy.
Speaking on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the official launch, Acting Fisheries Director General J. Cyrus Saybe said it marks the beginning of their journey toward a landmark event and will convene global investors, innovators, policymakers, and leaders committed to sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
Saybe noted that the fisheries sector, while vital to national food security and economic activity, is currently surviving rather than progressing, stating that one of the major priorities of President Joseph N. Boakai is to diversify revenue streams for the NaFAA moving away from an over-reliance on industrial vessel licensing toward more reliable and sustainable sources of revenue that will enable the Authority to grow and deliver its mandate effectively.
He revealed a comprehensive resource mobilization strategy developed with the Fisheries Investment Conference as a key component. He stated the event is not merely a gathering; it is a platform to unlock investments, stimulate innovation, and forge partnerships that will underpin the modernization and expansion of the sector.
“NaFAA is developing several strategic instruments to guide the sector over the next decade: a ten-year Fisheries Strategic Plan, a Fisheries Investment Plan, and a dedicated Aquaculture Strategy,” he said. The NaFAA acting boss said those foundational documents are expected to be officially launched during the conference, providing a clear roadmap for sustainable growth, private-sector engagement, and community empowerment.
He indicated that to ensure the success of the event, Golden Touch Corporation (GTC) was competitively recruited to lead the preparation and execution of the conference.
“In the coming weeks, GTC will engage stakeholders across the fisheries value chain, including government agencies, development partners, private investors, fishers’ associations, technology providers, and community representatives to gather insights and build partnerships that will shape the conference program, investment showcases, exhibitions, and policy discussions,” Saybe said.
He called on all stakeholders to actively participate in the engagements, as their inputs will be instrumental in identifying viable investment opportunities, promoting innovative solutions, and strengthening the systems that support sustainable fisheries management and aquaculture growth.
Acting Director General Saybe said the launching also marks the opening of early registration and encourage all interested organizations and individuals to secure their participation early to ensure that they are part of a transformative process that will position Liberia’s fisheries sector for accelerated development and long-term resilience. “We can build a future where Liberia’s fisheries resources generate greater value, create sustainable jobs, and remain a cornerstone of economic prosperity for generations to come,” he said.
