MONROVIA – The push to transform Liberia’s blue economy received a significant boost this week as the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) formally endorsed the upcoming 2026 Kpongama National Fisheries Investment Conference.
The endorsement, announced during the 6th Steering Committee Meeting held at the CBL headquarters on Wednesday, signals a growing inter-agency consensus that the fisheries sector is a primary engine for the nation’s future economic stability.
A Strategic Partnership for Growth
Dr. Musa Dukuly, the CBL’s Deputy Governor for Economic Policy, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to fostering sustainable development. He emphasized that the CBL’s role would focus on enhancing access to finance and stimulating private sector investment—two historical bottlenecks for local fishermen and industrial operators alike.
“Liberia’s fisheries sector holds substantial potential for employment creation, food security enhancement, and broad-based economic growth,” Dr. Dukuly stated.
He urged committee members to focus on “clear and actionable outcomes” to ensure the conference serves as more than just a talking shop, but rather a launchpad for domestic and international capital.
National Momentum Builds
The Kpongama Conference is shaping up to be a landmark event for the Boakai administration, drawing participation from a broad spectrum of the Liberian government. The 6th Steering Committee Meeting saw a high-level turnout from various ministries and agencies, illustrating the “whole-of-government” approach being taken to revitalize the industry.
Participating Institutions Include:
- Ministry of Finance and Development Planning: Focusing on fiscal incentives.
- National Port Authority (NPA): Addressing infrastructure and export logistics.
- Ministry of National Defense & Liberia Immigration Service: Ensuring maritime security and territorial integrity.
- Ministries of Justice, Foreign Affairs, and Information: Handling the legal frameworks and international promotion.
The Road to 2026
The conference aims to bridge the gap between small-scale artisanal fishing and large-scale commercial aquaculture. By bringing policymakers together with development partners and financial institutions, the event seeks to map out a sustainable and inclusive future for the sector.
As the planning process enters its next phase, the focus remains on identifying viable investment opportunities that can be showcased to global investors. With the Central Bank now actively at the table, the prospect of specialized credit facilities and investment guarantees for the fisheries sector appears increasingly likely.