Bomi County, Liberia – The Government of Liberia has officially launched the reconstruction of the Klay Fish Hatchery in Bomi County—a transformative project set to revolutionize the country’s aquaculture sector and enhance national food security.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held this week, marked a major milestone under the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project, funded by the World Bank. Once completed, the Klay Hatchery will become the country’s primary source of high-quality tilapia and catfish fingerlings, significantly reducing Liberia’s dependence on imported stock and lowering production costs for local fish farmers.
“No longer will our farmers face prolonged delays or the financial strain of importing fingerlings,” said Mr. J. Cyrus Saygbe Sr., Acting Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA). “Very soon, they will benefit from reliable, commercial-grade fingerlings produced right here at home.”
Designed as a national aquaculture hub, the modern hatchery will be operated under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, offering year-round supply of fingerlings while serving as a catalyst for job creation, rural income generation, and improved nutrition outcomes.
Mr. Saygbe highlighted that limited access to affordable, high-quality fingerlings has long been a constraint for local fish farmers—hindering productivity and suppressing the growth of one of Liberia’s most promising industries.
“Today, we take a bold step forward,” he stated. “This facility is more than just a production center—it is a cornerstone of national development. Through it, we will reduce operational barriers, enhance productivity, and equip our farmers for market success.”
He further explained that NaFAA will competitively recruit a private operator to manage the facility, ensuring innovation, investment, and efficient service delivery. The PPP approach will also promote contract farming and strengthen linkages between producers, buyers, and processors across the value chain.
As part of NaFAA’s broader decentralization and institutional sustainability strategy, the agency is also taking steps to diversify revenue sources and enhance service delivery through licensing reform, PPPs, and value-added services.
“We are building a more self-reliant and impactful agency,” Mr. Saygbe added. “We are deeply grateful to the World Bank for its continued support in advancing Liberia’s food systems and development agenda.”
World Bank Commits Continued Support
Delivering a special statement at the event, Ms. Georgia Wallen, World Bank Country Manager for Liberia, emphasized the Bank’s commitment to supporting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development.
“Today, we mark a key milestone in our partnership with Liberia,” she said. “The construction of the Klay Hatchery is a strategic investment that supports our mission to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity on a livable planet.”
Ms. Wallen noted that while Liberia’s fisheries sector holds significant untapped potential, reliance on capture fisheries places pressure on marine ecosystems and exposes communities to climate-related risks.
“This hatchery will serve as a foundation for a strong aquaculture sector, ensuring year-round supply of high-quality fingerlings and providing a stable source of affordable, nutritious protein for Liberian households,” she said.
A National Priority for Growth
Providing an overview of the facility, Mr. Zizi Kpadeh, Director of Aquaculture at NaFAA, described the reconstruction of the Klay Hatchery as a bold investment in Liberia’s future.
“This is more than a symbolic event—it is a critical step toward revitalizing and expanding aquaculture in Liberia,” he said. “Despite our favorable climate and rich freshwater resources, aquaculture production remains low. This facility changes that.”
Currently, Liberia produces approximately 2,000 metric tonnes of fish annually through aquaculture—a fraction of its potential. The reconstructed hatchery is expected to significantly scale up production, improve farmer access to quality inputs, and support the development of a robust aquaculture industry.
“With the steadfast support of the World Bank, the Government of Liberia has made the Klay Hatchery a national priority. This is an investment in our people, our food systems, and our shared prosperity,” Mr. Kpadeh concluded.
About NaFAA
The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) is the Government of Liberia’s lead agency responsible for the management, development, and regulation of the country’s fisheries and aquaculture resources. NaFAA is committed to building a sustainable, inclusive, and economically viable fisheries sector that contributes meaningfully to national development and poverty reduction.
