A three-member delegation from Egypt has arrived in Liberia to begin an assessment of the country’s aquaculture sector. The team will tour potential aquaculture sites across Grand Cape Mount, Bomi, Montserrado, and Lofa counties as part of ongoing cooperation between the two nations.
The delegation is led by Dr. Ahmed Saneyeldin Mohammed Sadek of Egypt’s Lakes and Fish Resources Protection and Development Agency. He is accompanied by Engineer Hany Mohammed Mabrouk Ibrahim, General Manager for Fish Resources Development, and Dr. Dawlat Ali Hassanin Mohamadin, a veterinarian with expertise in aquaculture.
Their mission includes visits to several key sites, such as the Bong Mines Reservoir, Lake Piso, Gbedin Lowland, and the Foyah Lowland in Lofa County, to assess the current state of aquaculture in Liberia.
At a welcoming ceremony held at the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) headquarters, Liberia’s Fisheries Director General, Hon. Emma Metieh Glassco, highlighted the visit’s significance. She emphasized that its primary objective is to gather critical data on Liberia’s aquaculture sector and develop a strategic plan to boost food security.
“We are highly appreciative of Egypt’s gesture and look forward to strengthening our partnership in this sector,” Glassco stated, expressing optimism about the collaboration’s potential benefits for Liberia’s agricultural development.
Dr. Sadek, the head of the Egyptian delegation, reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to ensuring that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two countries in 2024 delivers tangible outcomes. He noted that the delegation would evaluate water quality, hatchery conditions, and farm management practices.
The Egyptian team plans to assist Liberia in upgrading aquaculture farms and hatcheries, identifying appropriate fish species for cultivation, and improving the management of aquaculture facilities. Their efforts also include enhancing local skills and identifying suitable sites for new ventures in the sector.
Dr. Sadek explained that the assessment would involve site visits, discussions with stakeholders, and the collection of water samples to analyze key parameters necessary for sustainable aquaculture development.
The delegation is expected to spend a week in Liberia, visiting various fisheries sites and engaging with local stakeholders to lay the groundwork for future advancements in aquaculture.
