A high-level Egyptian aquaculture delegation embarked on a fact-finding mission to Liberia in January 2025, aiming to assess the nation’s aquaculture landscape and forge a strategic roadmap for bolstering its food security through enhanced fish production. The three-member team, led by Dr. Ahmed Saneyeldin Mohammed Sadek of the Lakes and Fish Resources Protection and Development Agency of Egypt, included Engineer Hany Mohammed Mabrouk Ibrahim, and Dr. Dawlat Ali Hassanin Mohamadin, both seasoned experts in fish resources development and veterinary science. Their itinerary encompassed visits to potential aquaculture sites across several Liberian counties, including the Bong Mines Reservoir, Lake Piso, Gbedin Lowland, and Foyah Lowland in Lofa County. These diverse locations offered the delegation a comprehensive view of the country’s aquatic resources and the existing aquaculture infrastructure.
The delegation’s primary objective was to gain a firsthand understanding of the current state of aquaculture in Liberia. This involved evaluating existing facilities, analyzing water quality, and identifying opportunities for improvement and expansion. The team sought to develop a tailored aquaculture strategy for Liberia, leveraging Egypt’s extensive experience and expertise in the field. This collaborative effort stemmed from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two nations in 2024, signifying a commitment to strengthening agricultural cooperation. The Liberian government, represented by NaFAA Director General Hon. Emma Metieh Glassco, warmly welcomed the Egyptian delegation and expressed optimism for the transformative potential of the partnership.
The welcoming ceremony, held at NaFAA’s headquarters, highlighted the importance of the collaboration and the shared vision for a more robust and sustainable aquaculture sector in Liberia. Director General Glassco emphasized the significance of the Egyptian delegation’s visit, noting its crucial role in gathering firsthand information and crafting a comprehensive aquaculture strategy. This strategy, built on Egyptian expertise, aimed to address Liberia’s food security needs through increased fish production. Glassco expressed Liberia’s deep appreciation for Egypt’s support and underscored the nation’s eagerness to further strengthen the partnership for broader agricultural development.
Dr. Sadek, on behalf of the Egyptian delegation, reaffirmed the commitment to achieving tangible results from the MoU. He outlined the delegation’s mission, which included assessing water quality, evaluating existing hatcheries and farms, analyzing aquaculture facility management practices, and identifying suitable fish species for cultivation. This comprehensive assessment would serve as the foundation for developing a practical and effective aquaculture strategy for Liberia. Dr. Sadek’s PowerPoint presentation detailed the delegation’s approach, emphasizing field visits, stakeholder engagement, and scientific analysis of water samples to determine key parameters for successful aquaculture.
The delegation’s goals extended beyond assessment, encompassing the improvement of existing aquaculture infrastructure and practices. This included upgrading farms and hatcheries to optimize water quality, refining facility design and management, enhancing the skills of aquaculture workers, and pinpointing ideal locations for new aquaculture ventures. The team’s holistic approach focused on sustainable development, ensuring that the proposed strategies are environmentally sound and economically viable.
The collaborative effort between Liberia and Egypt in aquaculture development represents a significant step towards achieving food security and promoting sustainable economic growth in Liberia. By leveraging Egypt’s expertise and resources, Liberia aims to transform its aquaculture sector, creating new opportunities for employment and improving the livelihoods of its citizens. This partnership exemplifies the power of international cooperation in addressing critical development challenges and fostering mutually beneficial relationships between nations. The focus on capacity building and knowledge transfer ensures that Liberia develops the necessary skills and expertise to manage and sustain its aquaculture sector independently in the long term.
