The European Union has committed 25 million euros (US$29.7 million) to support Liberia’s artisanal fisheries sector, aiming to improve livelihoods, reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen food security across the country’s coastal communities, the Liberian government said.
Liberia and the EU signed the financing agreement on Jan. 23, launching a multi-year programme to upgrade key segments of the artisanal fisheries value chain in Liberia’s nine coastal counties.
According to Liberia’s Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the funding will support investments in cold storage facilities, ice production equipment and improved fish handling infrastructure, targeting some of the most persistent constraints facing small-scale fishers and fish traders.
Officials said the project is expected to create jobs, increase incomes, reduce spoilage and waste, and improve household well-being in coastal areas, where fishing remains a primary source of employment and nutrition.
Artisanal fisheries play a central role in Liberia’s economy and food system. Data from the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea show that the sector employs more than 33,000 people and contributes around 10% of gross domestic product. Fish is also a key source of affordable protein for much of the population.
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Despite its economic and social importance, the sector faces longstanding structural challenges. Poor infrastructure, limited access to cold storage and weak post-harvest handling capacity result in significant losses, particularly during peak fishing periods. These constraints reduce incomes for fishers and traders and undermine food availability.
Environmental pressures have added to the sector’s difficulties. Coastal erosion, mangrove destruction and declining fish stocks have affected productivity in recent years, while land tenure insecurity in coastal areas has complicated efforts to invest in infrastructure and improve resource management.
Liberia has adopted a legislative framework to regulate the sector, including the Fisheries and Aquaculture Management and Development Act, which aims to promote sustainable fishing practices and strengthen governance. However, enforcement remains weak, largely due to limited monitoring capacity, funding constraints and the continued prevalence of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
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The European Union said its support is designed to address both economic and environmental vulnerabilities, while strengthening the resilience of coastal communities. Liberia is highly exposed to climate change impacts, including rising sea levels, ecosystem degradation and increasing food insecurity, which pose risks to an economy heavily dependent on natural resources.
In its assessment, the EU noted that Liberia’s fiscal space remains limited, infrastructure gaps persist and access to basic public services remains uneven. Human development indicators in the country rank among the lowest globally, underscoring the importance of targeted support to productive sectors with strong employment and food security linkages.
Under the agreement, EU funding will be deployed between 2026 and 2032 through a dedicated programme to strengthen Liberia’s artisanal fisheries value chain. The initiative will focus on improving post-harvest systems, enhancing value addition and supporting market access, particularly for women, who play a dominant role in fish processing and trading.
Development partners say reducing post-harvest losses could significantly increase the availability of fish without putting additional pressure on marine resources, while improving incomes across the value chain. Cold storage and ice production are expected to be key priorities, allowing fishers to preserve catches longer and sell into higher-value markets.
The project also aligns with broader efforts by the EU and Liberia to promote sustainable natural resource management, climate adaptation and inclusive growth. Officials said coordination with national institutions will be critical to ensure that investments are maintained and integrated into long-term development planning.
While challenges remain, including governance capacity and environmental risks, analysts say targeted support to artisanal fisheries could deliver quick gains in food security and poverty reduction, particularly in coastal regions where economic opportunities are limited.
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For Liberia, the EU-backed programme represents a significant boost to a sector that supports tens of thousands of livelihoods but has long suffered from underinvestment and vulnerability to external shocks.
