Egypt and Liberia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on aquaculture development, officials announced. The agreement, signed Monday by the Egyptian Lake Protection and Fish Resources Development Authority (LPRDA) and Liberia’s National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NFAA), aims to boost sustainable development and economic integration in the fisheries sector.

Strengthening African Partnerships

The collaboration is part of a broader Egyptian effort to strengthen partnerships with African nations. Egyptian political leaders have actively promoted cooperation across the continent, addressing issues including peace and security, counter-terrorism, conflict resolution, and the economic impacts of global events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, as well as climate change and food security. This aligns with the goals of Agenda 2063, the African Union’s strategic framework for socioeconomic transformation.

For Egypt, enhancing relationships with fellow African nations is pivotal for its foreign policy. Partnerships like this one with Liberia emphasize mutual development and highlight Egypt’s commitment to fostering unity within the continent. By focusing on sectors such as agriculture and aquaculture, Egypt aims to not only drive economic progress but also address critical issues such as food security and climate resilience.

Key Focus Areas of the Agreement

The MOU between the LPRDA and the NFAA outlines several critical areas of cooperation:

• Improving Governance in Aquaculture: Both nations aim to establish transparent regulatory frameworks that ensure the sustainability of aquaculture practices.
• Combating Illegal Fishing Practices: The partnership will focus on curbing practices that deplete fish stocks and harm marine biodiversity.
• Fostering Aquaculture Development: By sharing expertise and technology, Egypt and Liberia aim to enhance fish farming practices and increase production.
• Strengthening Scientific Research: Collaborative research initiatives will address challenges in aquaculture, such as disease management, feed development, and breeding programs.
• Promoting Trade: Both countries aim to enhance trade in fish and seafood products, creating new economic opportunities for local communities.

Egypt’s Leadership in Aquaculture

Hussein Farahat, executive director of the LPRDA, welcomed the agreement, emphasizing the significance of the fisheries sector to Egypt’s food security and sustainable development goals. Egypt is a leader in aquaculture in Africa, producing over 1.6 million tons of fish annually, making it the largest producer on the continent and the sixth-largest globally. Farahat highlighted the country’s expertise in lake and fisheries management and expressed Egypt’s commitment to providing technical and logistical support to African nations.

Egypt’s geographical location, bordered by the Mediterranean and Red Seas, gives it a strategic advantage in the fishing and aquaculture industries. The country has invested heavily in modernizing its aquaculture sector through initiatives such as the establishment of fish farming zones and the development of integrated aquaculture systems. These advancements position Egypt as a valuable partner for nations like Liberia seeking to develop their fisheries sector.

Liberia’s Aquaculture Ambitions

Emma Catherine Metieh, director general of the NFAA, expressed her satisfaction with the agreement, noting its alignment with Liberia’s “ARREST” development agenda. This framework prioritizes agriculture, including aquaculture, as a means of driving economic growth and improving livelihoods. Metieh highlighted Liberia’s commitment to creating a favorable environment for investment in aquaculture by providing incentives and addressing infrastructural challenges.

Liberia, though endowed with significant water resources, has struggled to fully harness its aquaculture potential. The country’s fisheries sector contributes significantly to food security, yet challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance, and overfishing hinder its growth. Through this partnership with Egypt, Liberia aims to overcome these obstacles by leveraging Egyptian expertise and technology.

Enhancing Regional Food Security

The partnership between Egypt and Liberia is expected to have a positive impact on regional food security. Fish is a vital source of protein in many African countries, and sustainable aquaculture can help bridge the gap between supply and demand. By adopting best practices in fish farming and resource management, both nations can increase production while preserving their natural ecosystems.

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Africa’s fish consumption is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades, driven by population growth and changing dietary preferences. However, the continent’s fish production is not keeping pace with demand, leading to increased reliance on imports. Initiatives like the Egypt-Liberia collaboration are crucial for addressing this imbalance and reducing Africa’s dependence on external markets.

Leveraging International Cooperation

The signing ceremony was attended by key officials from both nations, including Osama Mohammed Eissa from Egypt’s Ministry of Planning and Economic Development and Zizi A.S. Kpadeh from Liberia’s NFAA. The presence of high-ranking officials underscores the importance of the agreement and the shared commitment to its successful implementation.

Egypt’s dedication to African cooperation extends beyond bilateral agreements. The country has been actively involved in continental initiatives aimed at addressing shared challenges. For instance, Egypt plays a leading role in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to enhance trade and investment across the continent. By integrating aquaculture development into broader economic strategies, Egypt and Liberia are contributing to the realization of AfCFTA’s goals.

Opportunities for Private Sector Involvement

The MOU also opens doors for private sector participation in the aquaculture industry. Egyptian companies specializing in aquaculture technology, fish feed production, and logistics can explore opportunities in Liberia’s emerging market. Similarly, Liberian entrepreneurs can benefit from access to Egyptian expertise and resources, fostering innovation and job creation.

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are expected to play a significant role in the implementation of the agreement. By combining the strengths of government institutions and private enterprises, both countries can accelerate the development of their aquaculture sectors and achieve long-term sustainability.

Addressing Climate Challenges

Climate change poses a significant threat to fisheries and aquaculture in Africa. Rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and unpredictable weather patterns disrupt fish habitats and breeding cycles. The Egypt-Liberia partnership emphasizes the importance of resilience in aquaculture practices to mitigate these impacts.

Collaborative research efforts will focus on developing climate-smart aquaculture systems that minimize environmental impact while maximizing productivity. These innovations are essential for ensuring the sustainability of fish stocks and the livelihoods of communities dependent on fishing.

Building Capacity Through Training

Capacity building is a central component of the MOU, with Egypt committing to provide training and technical assistance to Liberian stakeholders. This includes workshops on sustainable aquaculture practices, resource management, and value chain development. By equipping Liberian professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to manage their fisheries sector effectively, the partnership ensures lasting benefits for both nations.

Training programs will also address gender disparities in the aquaculture industry. Women play a crucial role in fish processing and marketing, yet they often face barriers to accessing resources and opportunities. Empowering women through targeted initiatives can enhance the inclusivity and impact of the partnership.

Conclusion

The Egypt-Liberia aquaculture cooperation agreement marks a significant milestone in African development. By combining their strengths and resources, the two nations are setting an example of how regional partnerships can drive sustainable growth and address shared challenges. The MOU not only benefits Egypt and Liberia but also contributes to broader efforts to enhance food security, economic integration, and resilience across the continent.

As the partnership unfolds, its success will depend on effective implementation, continuous collaboration, and the active involvement of stakeholders at all levels. With the right strategies and commitment, the Egypt-Liberia agreement has the potential to transform the aquaculture landscape in Africa and pave the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future.

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photo source: Google

By: Montel Kamau

Serrari Financial Analyst

27th November, 2024