KLAY, BOMI COUNTY, LIBERIA – May 9, 2025 – The Government of Liberia, in partnership with the World Bank, today marked a significant step towards bolstering its aquaculture sector with a groundbreaking ceremony for the Klay Hatchery in Bomi County. The initiative, a key component of the World Bank-supported Liberia Sustainable Fisheries Management Project, promises to enhance food security, create jobs, and promote sustainable economic growth in the nation.
World Bank Liberia Country Manager, Georgia Wallen, delivered remarks at the event, extending hearty congratulations to the Government of Liberia and the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) for their strong commitment and leadership in reaching this important milestone.
“The World Bank Group’s mission is to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity on a livable planet,” stated Madam Wallen. 1 “As a development partner dedicated to promoting job creation, food security, and climate resilience, we view the construction of the Klay Hatchery as a strategic, high-impact investment.
Madam Wallen highlighted the significant untapped potential within Liberia’s fisheries sector, noting the current reliance on capture fisheries and its associated vulnerabilities to climate change and food insecurity. She emphasized that the Klay Hatchery will serve as a cornerstone for developing a robust aquaculture sector by providing a reliable, year-round supply of high-quality fingerlings. This will contribute to a stable source of affordable, nutritious protein for Liberian communities.
Beyond food security, the hatchery is also expected to generate jobs across the aquaculture value chain, creating meaningful opportunities, particularly for women and youth. Madam Wallen underscored the project’s alignment with Liberia’s broader sustainable development goals, specifically in the areas of food security, resource conservation, research, and capacity building.
“This hatchery has the potential to catalyze inclusive economic growth,” Madam Wallen asserted. “It will empower smallholder fish farmers by enabling them to expand production, access markets more competitively, and improve their livelihoods. At the same time, it will reduce dependence on imported inputs and create opportunities for private sector engagement, laying the groundwork for systemic transformation and the creation of more and better jobs.”
Madam Wallen concluded by emphasizing that the initiative is “far more than an infrastructure project; it is a platform for growth, job creation, and sustainable development.” She affirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s fisheries and aquaculture sector and recognized today’s efforts as a shared investment in the future of the sector and the broader national prosperity and progress of Liberia.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Honorable Ministers, Hon. Representative Williams, Honorable Madam Superintendent, Honorable Acting Director General of NaFAA and the NAFAA team, government officials, distinguished guests, and partners.
Comments are closed.