Atlanta–The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) has secured a major Fisheries partnership agreement with U.S.-Based MK Industries.
The U.S-Based Fisheries Industries expressed its interest in partnering with the Government of Liberia to establish the country’s first large-scale fish processing and fish meal factory.
The announcement came during a high-level meeting on Monday, May 12, held at MK Industries’ headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.
The session brought together Liberia’s National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) and MK Industries CEO, Mr. Ali Katoot, who reaffirmed his company’s commitment to a long-term partnership aimed at revolutionizing Liberia’s fisheries industry.
MK Industries CEO emphasized that the move is not just an investment; rather it is a vision for the sustainability and prosperity of the fisheries sector in Liberia.
“This is more than an investment-it’s a vision for sustainability and prosperity,” said Mr. Katoot. “We are excited to work alongside the Government of Liberia to create a modern, inclusive, and export-ready fisheries sector.”
Facility to Be Built in Buchanan
NaFAA acting Director General J. Cyrus Saybeh disclosed that as part of the agreement, the Government of Liberia, through NaFAA and with support from the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), will oversee the construction of a fish processing facility in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County. The groundbreaking of the project site is expected in 2026.
Saybeh highlighted that MK Industries will lease, outfit, and manage operations at the new facility, ensuring modern standards in processing and production.
He further stated that a key component of the initiative is the integration of Liberia’s artisanal fishing communities across all nine coastal counties into the supply chain, creating new economic opportunities for local fishers.
Agricultural Linkages to Boost Local Feed Production
The partnership will also include collaboration with Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture to expand domestic cultivation of soybeans and maize.
These crops are essential for producing sustainable fish feed, thereby reducing dependency on imports and lowering production costs.
Transformative Impact Expected
NaFAA acting DG and the fisheries sector have hailed the deal as transformative for Liberia’s fisheries sector.
The project is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs in fisheries and agriculture, enhancing livelihoods and promoting food security.
According to Saybeh, this partnership has the potential to not only reduce our reliance on imported fish but to position Liberia as a regional leader in fish processing.
By creating a value-added processing industry and connecting coastal communities to broader markets, the initiative marks a significant step toward sustainable economic development.
