Bomi County – The World Bank has hailed the groundbreaking of the Klay Hatchery in Bomi County as a transformative step toward food security, job creation, and sustainable economic growth in Liberia.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
Speaking at the ceremony on Thursday, World Bank Liberia Country Manager Georgia Wallen praised the Government of Liberia and the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) for their leadership and commitment in advancing the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
“On behalf of the World Bank, I extend hearty congratulations to the Government of Liberia and NaFAA for your strong commitment and leadership in reaching this important milestone,” Wallen said. “The hatchery will serve as a cornerstone for the development of a robust aquaculture sector.”
The Klay Hatchery is being developed under the Liberia Sustainable Fisheries Management Project, which is supported by the World Bank. The project is part of the Bank’s broader mission to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity while addressing the challenges of climate change.
According to Wallen, Liberia’s fisheries sector remains underutilized and overly dependent on capture fisheries—an approach that she said places strain on marine ecosystems and increases vulnerability, especially in the face of climate change and growing food insecurity.
“The construction of the Klay Hatchery is a strategic, high-impact investment,” she said. “It will provide a reliable, year-round supply of high-quality fingerlings, helping to ensure a stable source of affordable, nutritious protein for Liberian communities.”
Wallen emphasized that the hatchery will not only enhance food security, but also create jobs throughout the aquaculture value chain. She noted that the initiative is particularly vital for empowering women and youth, and aligns closely with Liberia’s national development goals, particularly in the areas of sustainable agriculture, research, and capacity building.
“From our perspective, this initiative is far more than an infrastructure project,” she added. “It is a platform for growth, job creation, and sustainable development.”
The World Bank official expressed optimism that the hatchery will also help reduce Liberia’s dependence on imported fish and farming inputs, while encouraging greater private sector participation.
“This hatchery has the potential to catalyze inclusive economic growth by empowering smallholder fish farmers, improving livelihoods, and laying the groundwork for systemic transformation,” she said.
In closing, Wallen reaffirmed the World Bank’s continued support to Liberia’s fisheries sector and called the project a shared investment in national prosperity.
Other dignitaries at the event included government officials, lawmakers, and community leaders, all of whom expressed similar sentiments of optimism and commitment to ensuring the success of the project.
