EU, NaFAA Hold Artisanal Fish Processors’ W/shop

The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), in collaboration with the European Union’s (EU) Technical Assistance “Food Systems Governance,” Fisheries in Liberia program, on Wednesday, January 22, convened a high-level information and networking workshop.

The workshop, according to a release, aimed to advance the development of marine artisanal fisheries sector, with particular focus on primary and secondary fish processing stakeholders.

The event was attended by fish processors, traders and fishmongers from Monrovia, Buchanan, Marshall, Roberts port, Tomatown, Grand Bassa County, with value chain experts taking them through a business model for future development of the fish trade.

It also provided a platform to review and validate findings from recent sector assessments, facilitate in-depth stakeholder discussions, clarify emerging issues, and present proposed interventions and socially inclusive business models for the sector.

Participants also agreed on priority actions and outlined clear next steps to guide effective and coordinated implementation.

They called for a business plan that will move from an informal low value sector to a more formalized and joined up value chain.

Discussions were held on two key assessments: The Value Chain Assessment of Marine Artisanal Fisheries, conducted in October 2024, and the Pre-Feasibility Assessment of a Socially Inclusive Business Model for Marine Artisanal Fisheries. This was carried out in March, 2025.

The engagement marked a critical milestone in ensuring that fisheries interventions under the EU Technical Assistance Program are evidence-based, inclusive, and aligned with national development priorities.

It brought together representatives from the public and private sectors, development partners, and fisheries stakeholders to promote shared understanding, collaboration, and coordinated action.

The findings and recommendations from the artisanal fisheries assessments were formally validated; stakeholder feedback and agreed priority actions documented; clear guidance established to inform project design and implementation, and stakeholder ownership of fisheries sector development interventions further strengthened.

The outcomes will directly inform the next phase of activities under the EU Technical Assistance Program, which aimed at improving food systems governance and supporting the sustainable development and resilience of marine artisanal fisheries sector.

During the opening session earlier, NaFAA Deputy Director General for Technical Services, William Boeh, commended the EU for its continued support to the fisheries sector.

“This partnership with the EU demonstrates a shared commitment to strengthen fisheries value chain, particularly at the community level where fish processors and fishmongers play a critical role.”

EU Delegation to Liberia Program Officer, Ms. Maria Winnubst, reaffirmed the Union’s readiness to work closely with NaFAA to improve fish handling, processing and access to markets.