GoL, Partners Break Ground for Klay Hatchery Construction, Targets Aquaculture Revolution and Economic Growth

Bomi County, Liberia: The Government of Liberia, through the National Fisheries & Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), in partnership with the World Bank through the Liberia Sustainable Management Fisheries Project (LSMFP), over the weekend launched groundbreaking initiatives that will jumpstart the construction of the Klay Hatchery in Bomi County.

By: Abraham Sylvester Panto

The construction of the Klay Hatchery in Western Liberia is a strategic effort under the Boakai-Koung administration that is aimed at advancing aquaculture development and driving sustainable economic growth through public-private partnerships.

The project, which was officially unveiled on Friday, May 9, 2025, marks a pivotal moment for the nation's fisheries and aquaculture sector, as the hatchery is poised to address long-term challenges to productivity, market access, and economic inclusivity.

Addressing the gathering comprised of senior government officials, local authorities, civil society representatives, and international partners, the NaFFA’s Acting Director General J. Cyrus Saybeh emphasized the transformative impact of the hatchery.

"Today, we stand together to celebrate a defining moment in the transformation of Liberia’s fisheries and aquaculture sector," Director Saybeh asserted. "This initiative does not only represent our collective perseverance but also our shared aspiration to build a more full-scale, economically vibrant, and inclusive nation."

For decades, fish farmers across Liberia have struggled with limited access to affordable, high-quality fingerlings, a persistent challenge that has inflated operational expenses, stifled production capacity, and undermined market competitiveness.

The construction of the Klay Hatchery, according to Director Saybeh, marks a bold step toward reversing these trends, positioning Liberia as a regional leader in aquaculture.

"This facility will be more than a center of production. It will serve as a cornerstone of national development," he continued. "By lowering operational barriers, boosting productivity, and preparing local producers for market readiness, the hatchery will play a catalytic role in transforming Liberia’s fisheries sector."

The Klay Hatchery will not only focus on fingerling production but will also house a dedicated research and development wing aimed at advancing fish feed production using locally sourced raw materials.

"Reducing dependency on expensive imported inputs is critical to making aquaculture more accessible to smallholder farmers," the NaFAA boss noted. "Through strategic collaboration with academic institutions and the Central Agriculture Research Institute, we will explore evidence-based practices tailored specifically to Liberian conditions."

President Boakai, represented by Ambassador-at-Large Charles Snetter, underscored the broader economic implications of the project.

"The Klay Fish Hatchery is more than a construction project. It is a symbol of this administration’s commitment to food security, rural development, and economic opportunities," Snetter indicated.

He emphasized that the project aligns with President Boakai’s broader agenda for rural transformation and national self-reliance, stating, "Once operational, the hatchery will produce high-quality fingerlings to supply fish farmers across the country, effectively reducing pressure on wild fisheries while bolstering domestic aquaculture output."

"The strategic location of the hatchery in Bomi County was deliberate," the Ambassador added, explaining that the facility would serve as a regional hub for fingerling distribution, job creation, and training in post-harvest handling and value chain development.

For her part, World Bank Country Manager for Liberia, Georgia Wallen, lauded the project as a milestone in the World Bank’s ongoing partnership with Liberia, asserting that the hatchery represents a strategic investment in the country’s aquaculture sector.

Georgia Wallen: "Liberia’s fisheries sector holds tremendous untapped potential. However, the current dependence on capture fisheries places pressure on marine ecosystems and increases vulnerability, particularly given the impacts of climate change and food insecurity."

According to the World Bank envoy, the Klay Hatchery is expected to alleviate these pressures by providing a steady, reliable supply of high-quality fingerlings, thereby stabilizing domestic fish supply and enhancing nutritional security.

"Moreover, the hatchery will generate jobs across the aquaculture value chain, creating meaningful opportunities, especially for women and youth," she stated.

According to authorities, the hatchery is said to adopt a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model designed to attract private investment and stimulate economic activity in Bomi County and beyond.

NaFFA's acting boss, alongside other partners, highlighted that the facility would function as a nexus for economic empowerment, linking smallholder farmers to regional and international markets through targeted training in business development and value chain coordination.

In addition to its economic objectives, the Klay Hatchery will incorporate a climate resilience component, integrating sustainable production practices to mitigate the environmental impact of increased aquaculture activities.

"We are committed to ensuring that the expansion of Liberia’s fisheries sector is conducted in a manner that is both economically viable and environmentally sustainable," NaFAA Boss affirmed.

In admiration of said initiative, the House’s Chair on Fisheries and Forestry, Representative Anthony Williams, assured the World Bank of the government’s commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency throughout the project’s implementation.

"We can assure the World Bank you will get value for money in terms of the project that you're trying to establish here," Representative Williams stated, adding, "We will do everything humanly possible to hold NaFAA accountable and ensure that the expected outcomes materialize."

The hatchery’s research and development wing will also prioritize the development of climate-resilient fish species, aiming to mitigate the impact of climate change on local fish stocks.

"This is about more than increasing production capacity—it’s about adapting to changing climatic conditions while safeguarding Liberia’s natural resources," NaFAA's Acting Director emphasized.

Upon completion, the Klay Hatchery will stand as a tangible testament to Liberia’s evolving aquaculture landscape—a project driven by a commitment to sustainable development, economic inclusion, and food security.