The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) has officially announced the departure of three technical staff members to the People’s Republic of China for a three-week intensive training program aimed at strengthening Liberia’s fisheries value chain.
The program, titled “Value-Added Fishery Product Development and Market System Construction for Developing Countries,” will run from July 12 to 31, 2025, in Shanghai City, with additional study tours in Nanjing (Jiangsu Province), Guiyang, Tongren, Zunyi, and the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture in Guizhou Province.
The participants represent three of NaFAA’s core technical departments:
Magdlene K. Flomo – Manager, Fisheries Subsidies and Administration, Marine Fisheries Department
Tracy P. Cummings – Policy Planning Officer, Department of Policy, Planning and Investment
Prince G. Garkpah – Fisheries Inspector, Department of Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS)
According to a NaFAA press release, this training initiative is part of a broader effort by the Chinese government to support Liberia’s fisheries sector through capacity building, technology transfer, and international knowledge exchange.
NaFAA’s Acting Director General, J. Cyrus Saygbe Sr., underscored the program’s alignment with the agency’s strategic goals: enhancing fish processing, improving quality control, and expanding access to domestic and international markets.
“This initiative will not only improve the capacity of our staff but also boost economic returns for local fishers and businesses along the fisheries value chain,” Mr. Saygbe stated.
He further emphasized that empowering technical staff with modern tools and techniques is crucial for strengthening the local economy and enhancing the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Training Focus Areas
The program will cover a range of key areas: Training and Capacity Building,
Technology Adoption, Market Linkages, Quality Control, and Certification
Participants will engage in both classroom instruction and hands-on practical training, focusing on:
Modern fish processing methods, post-harvest handling, Packaging techniques, and
Cold storage systems
These skills are designed to minimize post-harvest losses and ensure that fish products meet international quality standards.
Mr. Saygbe also reflected on the growing partnership between NaFAA and the Chinese government. Following his appointment in March 2025, the Authority held its first meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, during which China reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Liberia’s fisheries sector through initiatives like this.
“The continued support from the Chinese government is a clear demonstration of their dedication to fostering sustainable development in Liberia’s fisheries industry,” Mr. Saygbe concluded.
NaFAA remains committed to developing a world-class fisheries sector that fosters economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability throughout Liberia.
