The signing ceremony was attended by senior Liberian officials, EU representatives, and development partners.
Ministry of Finance and Development Planning
The Government of Liberia and the European Union (EU) have signed a €25 million grant financing agreement to strengthen artisanal fisheries, improve livelihoods, and enhance food security in the country's nine coastal counties.
The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and was attended by senior Liberian officials, EU representatives, and development partners.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the fisheries project is grant-based, not loan-based, and directly addresses livelihoods by empowering Liberians within the sector.
"It is further proof of the EU's long-standing and reliable partnership with Liberia, especially during difficult economic periods," added Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan.
The EU already provided budget support to the country in 2024, and according to the Minister, "Liberia met the agreed performance targets, paving the way for continued cooperation."
The project will involve improving cold storage processes, ice-making facilities, fish handling infrastructure, job creation, and reducing post-harvest losses.
In addition, a 25% reduction in canoe licensing fees will be applied, along with market access initiatives and increased efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, in collaboration with the Liberia Coast Guard.
"This is an initiative in line with Liberia’s ARREST Agenda, national fisheries policies, and the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, and as confirmed by EU Ambassador Nona Deprez, 'it reaffirms the EU's commitment to Liberia’s artisanal fishing communities.'"
Finally, the agreement includes fisheries training initiatives at the University of Liberia, Tubman University, and community colleges, as well as NaFAA's decentralization plan to bring services closer to fishing communities.