Press Release
May 13, 2026 • 3 min read
More than 500 fisherfolk at Tambakula, Aberdeen Beach most of them women who have spent years working in the open under harsh conditions now have access to a modern, fully equipped fish market, following the official handover of the Tambakula EcoWave Fish Market by GOAL and the Government of Sierra Leone. The new facility, completed under GOAL’s Blue Economy Programme, is expected to cut post-harvest losses by up to 30 percent, improve product quality, and directly increase incomes for hundreds of trading families.
“For many years we struggled with poor conditions, especially during the rainy season. We were drenched by the rain and scorched by the sun. We did not have a dignified place to even ease ourselves. Today we are proud to have a modern market. Our dignity has been restored.” Fatmata Bangura, Chairlady, Tambakula Fishing Community.
A Facility Built Around Community Needs
The EcoWave Fish Market replaces years of makeshift, exposed trading conditions with purpose-built infrastructure including organised vendor stalls, reliable cold storage for extended freshness, dedicated fish cleaning and processing areas, improved sanitation and toilet facilities, and drainage and weather protection for year-round trading. Together, these improvements address the most persistent challenges the community has faced with, poor hygiene, spoilage, and the absence of basic services while creating a safer, more productive environment for trade.
A Step Forward for the Blue Economy
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Titus-Williams, framed the project within Sierra Leone’s broader development priorities.
“This occasion represents not just the commissioning of a facility, but a meaningful step forward in our shared efforts to strengthen livelihoods, improve food systems, and advance sustainability within Sierra Leone’s Blue Economy.”
The Deputy Minister confirmed that the project aligns with the Government’s Medium-Term National Development Plan and the Blue Economy Strategic Framework, underscoring the fisheries sector’s critical role in food security, employment, and inclusive coastal growth.
Turning Challenges into Opportunity
James Riak, Country Director of GOAL Sierra Leone, described the project as the result of three years of sustained collaboration and community-centred design.
“This is not just a building. It is a symbol of resilience and proof that when we work together, we can turn challenges into opportunities. We are not just opening a market; we are opening doors to opportunity, dignity, and a better future for hundreds of families.”
Beyond the physical infrastructure, GOAL’s Blue Economy Programme has been active in Tambakula since 2023, delivering training in sustainable fishing practices, entrepreneurship, and post-harvest management to equip fisherfolk with the skills to grow and sustain their businesses long-term. The programme was made possible with funding support from philanthropist Sean Curran.
Aligning Livelihoods with Tourism Ambitions
Representing the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and the National Tourist Board, Bashiru Koroma highlighted the market’s potential to strengthen coastal tourism destinations while reinforcing community livelihoods, calling on the community to take full ownership of the facility’s upkeep.
“Maintaining sanitation is critical. Everyone must take responsibility to keep this space clean and secure.”
Next Steps
With the facility now in the hands of the community, stakeholders have committed to a maintenance and governance plan led by the Tambakula Fishing Community Association. GOAL Sierra Leone will continue monitoring impact outcomes including income growth, post-harvest loss reduction, and uptake of training over the next 18 months to inform the replication of the model in other coastal communities.
