NaFAA hosts first fisheries TVET roundtable in Liberia

The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) in Liberia has hosted its inaugural Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Fisheries Roundtable. The event aimed to establish pathways for equipping Liberian youth with market-driven skills to foster employment, entrepreneurship, and private-sector growth within the fisheries and aquaculture value chains.

Participants included the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences, and representatives from European Union-supported projects. Discussions focused on transitioning from traditional employment models toward a specialized ecosystem where young people can become skilled technicians and business owners.

The proposed model seeks to link technical instruction with apprenticeships, business incubation, financing, and mentorship. Key areas of interest include practical services such as boat construction, refrigeration, and fish processing, intended to reduce reliance on imported skills and stimulate economic activity in both coastal and inland counties.