–In Congo Town
MONROVIA, Liberia – The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) has secured a US$325,000 grant from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to build a modern fish market in Congo Town, aimed at cutting post-harvest losses and improving market access for small-scale fishers.
The money comes through FAO’s Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP). NaFAA says the facility will give artisanal fisherfolk, fish farmers, and inland fisheries producers a dedicated place to sell their catch under cleaner, better-preserved conditions.
Post-harvest loss remains a persistent problem for small-scale fisheries operators in Liberia, where fish often spoils before it reaches buyers. NaFAA says the hub is meant to address that while improving food safety and giving consumers more reliable access to quality fish.
What the hub will include
According to the Authority, the facility will be hygienic and energy-efficient, with:
• A 20-tonne cooling room to preserve fish and extend how long it can be safely sold
• A hygienic waste management system
• A fleet of cooling motorbikes for temperature-controlled delivery to customers
• Training for fishmongers on standardized units of measurement and related practices
• A mini seafood grill outlet to support small businesses and value addition
• Smart-energy systems to keep the facility running reliably
Private sector role
The hub is expected to operate as a Public–Private Partnership (PPP). NaFAA says this would combine public oversight with private-sector expertise, efficiency, and capital, helping the facility stay commercially viable while serving small-scale operators. The Authority says the approach fits its wider push to attract private investment into fisheries infrastructure that creates jobs and supports sustainable management.
Support for university research
Part of the grant will also go to the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (DoFAS) at the University of Liberia. The funds will support the development of a Small-Scale Fisheries Guideline, along with curriculum, training modules, and syllabi specified under the programme. NaFAA says linking market infrastructure with academic capacity will build knowledge and improve practices across the fisheries value chain.
NaFAA said it welcomes the FAO partnership and will keep working with the University of Liberia, private-sector partners, and other stakeholders. The release did not say when construction will begin or be completed, nor did it name the private partners expected to take part.
