Monrovia, Liberia – In a strategic move to enhance food safety and improve the international competitiveness of Liberia’s fishery products, the Government of Liberia, through the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) and the Liberia Standards Authority (LiSA), has signed a Technical Cooperation Agreement (TCA). The agreement was formalized during a signing ceremony held on Monday, July 7, 2025, at NaFAA headquarters on Bushrod Island.
The partnership is a significant milestone aimed at ensuring that fish and other food products meet international safety and quality standards before reaching global markets, particularly the European Union. Speaking at the ceremony, NaFAA Acting Director General, Mr. J. Cyrus Saygbe Sr., emphasized that the agreement marks a firm commitment to developing Liberia’s capacity in the testing, certification, and accreditation of fisheries products.
“This agreement is not just a formality—it is a commitment to strengthen Liberia’s capacity in food testing and quality assurance. With funding secured by NaFAA from the OPEC Fund for Development and with LiSA’s technical expertise, we will construct and operationalize a Fisheries Competent Laboratory that meets global standards,” Mr. Saygbe said.
Under the terms of the agreement, LiSA will lead the technical design, accreditation process, and development of the laboratory’s management structure, while NaFAA will oversee construction and ensure the facility is equipped with modern, internationally compliant technologies. The total investment in the project is estimated at US$4 million.
Once completed, the Fisheries Competent Laboratory will play a pivotal role in ensuring food safety, expanding market access, and boosting buyer confidence in Liberian fish products. It is expected to open new economic opportunities for local fishers, processors, and exporters, while also supporting national efforts toward quality assurance and economic empowerment.
Additionally, Mr. Saygbe highlighted the collaborative framework established under the agreement, which includes ongoing training, institutional cooperation, and a revenue-sharing model—with 60% of revenues from the lab’s operations allocated to LiSA and 40% to NaFAA. This structure is designed to ensure long-term sustainability and mutual benefit for both institutions.
“Together, we will institute a mechanism for continuous improvement to support the growth of Liberia’s fisheries sector,” Saygbe added.
Speaking on behalf of the Liberia Standards Authority, Director General and CEO Mr. Stephen Y. Mambu welcomed the collaboration, describing it as a demonstration of LiSA’s core function and a clear reflection of both institutions’ shared commitment to national development.
“This partnership underscores our vested interest in the people of Liberia and represents a meaningful step toward stronger collaboration in the fisheries sector,” Mr. Mambu said.
Mr. Mambu also revealed that LiSA has already begun the logistical process of transferring critical laboratory equipment to NaFAA’s laboratory site as part of the project’s initial implementation phase.
The agreement between NaFAA and LiSA is expected to position Liberia as a key player in the global seafood market while ensuring compliance with international standards for health, safety, and quality.
About NaFAA
The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) is the government agency responsible for managing and regulating Liberia’s fisheries and aquaculture resources, ensuring sustainable development, food security, and economic advancement.
About LiSA
The Liberia Standards Authority (LiSA) develops, enforces, and monitors national standards to promote public safety, industrial growth, and international trade compliance.
