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Press Release
The Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project (LSMFP) has launched a Women Empowerment Grant aimed at supporting female entrepreneurs in the fisheries sector in Montserrado County. This initiative is designed to enhance the economic opportunities of women fishery sector and strengthening their role in Liberia’s marine economy.
The initiative, which is funded by the World Bank, is currently being implemented by Conservation International, Liberia with technical support from The National Fisheries & Aquaculture Authority Republic of Liberia and the LSMFP.
It aims to enhance financial empowerment, promote sustainable fisheries governance, and create economic opportunities for women engaged in the sector.
Giving an overview of the grant, the LSMFP’s Social Development Specialist, Lovette Seidi Sie, said the project aims to uplift over 1,400 fishmongers across Montserrado, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Bassa, and Margibi Counties. Out of a total of $2 million allocated for the entire grant facility, $1.2 million will be specifically dedicated to providing grants to fishmongers
She further mentioned that the remaining amounts will be used for capacity building, provision of smoke ovens, and operations, respectively.
She said the grant is part of sub-Component 2.2 of the LSMFP, strategically designed to serve as a financing mechanism that supports productive investments, helping women transition from nano-businesses to micro-businesses.
Serving as Chief Launcher of the event, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, congratulated the selected beneficiaries and urged them to participate in aquaculture initiatives to foster sustainable livelihoods.
Dr. Nuetah emphasized the importance of strengthening aquaculture and inland fisheries development, highlighting their critical roles in enhancing food security and empowering women across Liberia.
In remarks, Ruma Tavorath, Task Team Lead of the LSMFP, affirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting women’s empowerment in Liberia through aquaculture programs and improving the fisheries sector.
In further remarks, the acting Director General of NaFAA, Mr. William Y. Boeh, noted that the ongoing intervention is a milestone intended to invest in women by strengthening their financial capacity in Fisheries Governance and build resilience for the future of the coastal communities in Liberia.
To ensure a fair and transparent selection process, the LSMFP’s Coordinator, Atty. Abraham W. Dioh said the project employed a multi-stage approach that included pre-selection, desk evaluations, and field verification. Additionally, a diverse panel of 15 experts from various sectors, including finance, fisheries, enterprise development, and environmental safeguards, oversaw the process, upholding the integrity and criteria of the grant program.
The launch which was held at the headquarters of NaFAA, had in attendance were representations from the European Union Delegation to Liberia, Food and Agriculture Organization, Cooperative Development Agency , Environmental Justice Foundation and the Collaborative Management Association among others.
