Liberia inaugurates National Multi-Stakeholder Group
The Fisheries Transparency Initiative’s (FiTI) International Secretariat has supported the Republic of Liberia to establish and inaugurate a National Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) to facilitate the effective implementation of the FiTI in Liberia.
The inauguration ceremony occurred in Monrovia as part of a special event organized at the Headquarters of the Liberia National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) on 27th November 2025. The event was attended by senior members of NaFAA including the Director-General and the Director of Research and Statistics, and other government institutions including the Liberia Maritime Authority, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as representatives from civil society organizations and the private sector.
The establishment and inauguration of the National MSG is a key milestone in Liberia’s FiTI implementation process, following the country’s public announcement on its commitment to implement the FiTI and designation of a FiTI implementing Lead Ministry as well as a FiTI National Lead. With the establishment of the National MSG, Liberia can move another step towards becoming a FiTI Candidate country, if a formal application for this status is approved by the FiTI International Secretariat. The 15-member National MSG comprises members from government institutions, civil society organizations and private sector businesses and fisheries associations.
The Director-General of NaFAA emphasized the critical role of transparency in advancing prospects of the Liberia fisheries sector. In his keynote address, the Director-General demonstrated political will, commitment, and full support for the successful implementation of the FiTI in Liberia, and the work of the National MSG.
He also emphasized the important role that transparency and multi-stakeholder participation play in promoting responsible fisheries governance, management and development, combatting illegal fishing activities, and safeguarding the livelihoods of vulnerable small-scale fishers. He described the role of the National MSG as very important in supporting fisheries governance in Liberia and asked the members to perform their functions with dedication.
The meeting covered the purpose of the National MSG, its composition, the appointment of a Chair and potential Observers, and the major tasks to be performed by the National MSG. These include enhancing the credibility and data quality of national fisheries information, recommending transparency improvements to government and monitoring their implementation, and monitoring compliance of national efforts with the FiTI Standard.
Stakeholders highlighted opportunities to improve implementation, and acknowledged potential challenges and lessons learned from the implementation of similar initiatives such as the Extractive Industries Transparent Initiative (EITI).
The FiTI International Secretariat will continue to support Liberia’s National MSG as they work to improve the transparency and governance of the nation’s fisheries sector for the benefit Liberia’s citizens.
