The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), Director General, J. Cyrus Saygbe, Sr., has signed a contractual agreement with iCampus Liberia Consortium. The Agreement is signed under the Liberia Integrated Fisheries Sector Strengthening Project (LIFSSP). It is to design, implement and monitor the Liberian Women Sustainable Fisheries and Livelihood Incubator (LWSFILI) Program nine coastal counties. The OPEC Fund for International Development funds the LWSFILI, through the Liberia Integrated Fisheries Sector Strengthening Project (LIFSSP) is implemented by NaFAA. The signing ceremony, according to a release, was held on Monday, June 28, at NaFAA’s headquarters in Monrovia. It marked a significant milestone in government’s efforts to promote women’s economic empowerment, and strengthen sustainable livelihoods within the fisheries sector. Mr. Saygbe described the initiative as a transformative investment to equip women with the skills, and opportunities needed to become successful entrepreneurs and leaders in the fisheries value chain. ” LWSFILI 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 meaningfully contribute to the growth of the blue economy.” Saygbe emphasized the need for the partnership to demonstrate NaFAA’s unwavering commitment to foster inclusive economic growth, encourage innovation, and create sustainable employment opportunities for women and coastal communities. The LWSFILI Program forms part of Liberia’s Integrated Fisheries Sector Strengthening Project (LIFSSP), which seeks to enhance the resilience, productivity, and sustainability of fisheries sector while improving the livelihoods of coastal populations. campus Liberia Consortium team, Chief Executive Officer, Luther D. Jeke, appreciated 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 deliver lasting impact for women, fishing communities and coastal counties.” Jeke added that the partnership represents a shared vision of building stronger communities, empowers women entrepreneurs, and advances 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 blue economy.