• The EU will fund €25 million to support artisanal fisheries in Liberia’s coastal counties

• The project targets cold storage, ice production, and post-harvest loss reduction

• Fisheries support livelihoods, food security, and about 10% of Liberia’s GDP

Liberia and the European Union have signed a €25 million financing agreement, about $29.7 million, to strengthen the artisanal fisheries value chain, improve livelihoods, and enhance food security across the country’s nine coastal counties.

The agreement, signed on January 23, will support artisanal fishers and fish traders through investments in cold storage facilities, ice production equipment, and fish handling infrastructure. According to Liberia’s Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the measures are expected to create jobs, reduce post-harvest losses, raise incomes, strengthen food security, and improve household well-being in coastal communities.

In Liberia, fisheries play a central role in coastal livelihoods, food security, and poverty reduction. Data from the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea show that the sector employs more than 33,000 people and contributes about 10% of GDP. Despite its importance, the sector faces mounting challenges, including coastal erosion, mangrove destruction, and land tenure insecurity.

A legislative framework is in place to regulate the sector, notably the Fisheries and Aquaculture Management and Development Act. However, enforcement remains weak due to limited monitoring capacity, a lack of resources and funding, and the continued prevalence of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

Liberia also remains highly exposed to the effects of climate change. These include environmental degradation, rising food insecurity, and negative impacts on an economy that is largely dependent on natural resources. The European Union notes that the country’s fiscal space is limited, infrastructure and public services remain inadequate, and human development indicators rank among the lowest globally.

The EU will support the project from 2026 to 2032 under the program to strengthen Liberia’s artisanal fisheries value chain.

Lydie Mobio