By Staff Writer
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Kenyeh Barlay, and Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon. Princess Dugba, have reaffirmed the country’s commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable ocean resource management during their participation in the Liberia National Fisheries Investment Conference (Kpongama) 2026. The high-level conference, held in Monrovia from March 30–31, 2026, was convened by the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority under the leadership of its Director General, Hon. J. Cyrus Saygbe Sr.
It brought together policymakers, investors, development partners, and private sector actors to explore investment opportunities within the fisheries and Blue Economy sectors. Held under the theme “Unlocking Blue Horizons: The Future of Fisheries and the Blue Economy,” the conference aimed to align government priorities with private sector opportunities while examining global best practices in sustainable fisheries development. Delivering the keynote address, Joseph Nyuma Boakai described “Kpongama”—a Kpelle word meaning “The Gathering”—as a unifying platform for shared vision and purpose.
He noted that the conference represents a bold step toward unlocking what international partners have described as the “sleeping giant” of Liberia’s Blue Economy sector. President Boakai emphasized his administration’s commitment to transforming the fisheries industry into a driver of economic growth and food security. “Liberia is open for business, but not for exploitation,” he declared, calling for responsible investment that respects environmental standards and strengthens local capacity.
In her statement, Minister Barlay highlighted the shared vision between Sierra Leone and Liberia in recognizing oceans and aquatic resources as critical drivers of economic transformation. She commended the conference’s strong investment focus, noting its potential to unlock immediate financing opportunities within Liberia’s fisheries sector. Barlay also expressed optimism about deepening bilateral and regional collaboration, particularly through joint initiatives that promote sustainable Blue Economy development.
Minister Dugba, in her remarks, outlined key achievements in Sierra Leone’s fisheries sector, including ongoing efforts to expand infrastructure and improve support for local fishing communities. She stressed the importance of cross-border cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture, noting that joint initiatives between Sierra Leone and Liberia could create economies of scale, attract private sector investment, and enhance value chains within the sector. Host of the conference and Director General of NAFAA, Hon. J. Cyrus Saygbe Sr., underscored the urgency of mobilizing global capital to transform Liberia’s fisheries industry.
As part of the opening ceremony, NAFAA signed two significant agreements: one with Orange Money Liberia to expand digital financial services to coastal communities, and another with Electrans Limited to undertake feasibility studies for the Robertsport Fish Landing Cluster project. On the sidelines of the conference, Ministers Barlay and Dugba paid a courtesy visit to President Boakai, where they conveyed fraternal greetings from Julius Maada Bio.
The ministers reaffirmed the strong historical, cultural, and economic ties between Sierra Leone and Liberia, expressing confidence that the longstanding relationship will continue to foster joint public and private sector investment initiatives. The Kpongama 2026 Conference is widely seen as a pivotal step toward strengthening regional collaboration and unlocking the vast potential of West Africa’s Blue Economy.
