“Klay Hatchery Groundbreaking Is A Step Toward Aquaculture Development” -NaFAA Acting DG Saygbe Asserts

By Bill W. Cooper
The transformation of Liberia’s agriculture and fisheries sector is gaining momentum with the official groundbreaking of the Klay Fish Hatchery in Bomi County—a vital step toward achieving food security and economic growth.
Funded by the World Bank, the Klay Hatchery is poised to become the primary source of high-quality fingerlings for fish farmers across Liberia, and once completed, this facility will significantly reduce the reliance on imported fingerlings, helping to lower production costs and boost local aquaculture.
The state-of-the-art hatchery, to be operated under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, will also serve as a national hub for the production of tilapia and catfish fingerlings—two of the most widely farmed species in the country, making Liberia one step closer to unlocking the full potential of aquaculture to improve livelihoods, nutrition, and rural incomes.
Making an official statement during the groundbreaking ceremony, the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) Acting Director General, J. Cyrus Saygbe, explained that Liberian fish farmers have struggled with limited access to affordable, high-quality fingerlings.
This, DG Saygbe mentioned, has persistently created a challenge and at the same time suppressed production, inflated operational costs, and hindered the growth of what is inherently one of Liberia’s most promising industries.
He assured, “No longer will our farmers face prolonged delays or the financial strain of importing fingerlings. Very soon, they will benefit from reliable, commercial-grade fingerlings produced right here at home.”
According to him, the reconstruction of the Klay Hatchery marks the beginning of a new chapter- one defined by accessibility, empowerment, and growth, affirming that no longer will Liberian farmers face prolonged delays or the financial strain of importing fingerlings.
He mentioned that following the construction, local farmers stand to benefit from reliable, commercial-grade fingerlings produced right, and the facility will be more than a centre for production—it will serve as a cornerstone of national development.
“And today, we take a bold step forward. By lowering operational barriers, boosting productivity, and preparing local producers for market readiness, we are enabling our fish farmers to thrive in a competitive landscape.
This facility, when completed, will also adopt a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model which will help attract private investment, stimulate innovation, promote contract farming, and connect producers with buyers, processors,” he said.
Cyrus further disclosed that NaFAA will competitively recruit a private company to operate the facility as part of NaFAA’s broader decentralization agenda.
The entity is said to be taking strategic steps to strengthen the Authority’s operational resilience.
The acting Director General explained that recognizing the growing demand for regulatory oversight and service delivery across both coastal and inland communities, NaFAA is positioning itself to diversify its revenue streams.
The NaFAA acting DG, however, assured that the shift will reduce reliance on donor funding, bolster institutional sustainability, and ensure our capacity to deliver quality services to stakeholders nationwide.
He added, “Through improved licensing systems, PPPS, and value-added services, we are building a more self-sustaining and impactful agency. We owe our sincere gratitude to the World Bank for its unwavering support channeled through NaFAA towards strengthening Liberia’s food systems and advancing our national development goals.”
Earlier, delivering a special statement, World Bank Country Manager for Liberia, Georgia Wallen, disclosed that the Bank is committed to supporting Liberia’s fisheries and aquaculture sector through the Liberia Sustainable Fisheries Management Project.
According to Madam Wallen, the World Bank Group also intends to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity on a livable planet, and noted that as a development partner dedicated to promoting job creation, food security, and climate resilience, the Bank views the construction of the Klay Hatchery as a strategic, high-impact investment.
Wallen further stated that Liberia’s fisheries sector holds significant untapped potential; however, the current dependence on captured fisheries places pressure on marine ecosystems and increases vulnerability, particularly in the context of climate change and food insecurity.
She asserted that the hatchery will serve as a cornerstone for the development of a robust aquaculture sector, as it will also provide a reliable, year-round supply of high-quality fingerlings, helping to ensure a stable source of affordable, nutritious protein for Liberian communities.
Earlier, giving an overview of the Klay Hatchery, the Director of the Aquaculture Department of NaFAA, Zizi Kpadeh, noted that the groundbreaking ceremony is more than symbolic. It is a major milestone in our national journey to revitalize and expand aquaculture in Liberia.
Director Kpadeh also mentioned that across the world, aquaculture has rapidly emerged as the fastest-growing food production system, already surpassing captured fisheries in global output, yet in Liberia, aquaculture production remains modest—producing just about 2,000 metric tons of fish annually—despite the vast potential favorable climate, rich freshwater resources, and resilient communities.
He added, “Today marks a turning point. With the steadfast support of the World Bank, through the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project, the Government has made the full reconstruction of the Klay Hatchery a national priority. This is a bold investment in our people, our food systems, and our future.”