MONROVIA — Liberia has recorded a significant milestone in its maritime reform and port security agenda following its official admission into the €12 million SCOPE Africa Port Security Program, an initiative funded by the European Union and aimed at strengthening port safety, governance, and operational resilience across West and Central Africa.
The development was announced after the National Port Authority (NPA) on Monday hosted a high-level European Union delegation at its headquarters in Monrovia. The visit followed a comprehensive assessment tour of key port facilities, including the Buchanan Mining Company (BMC) Pier, Freeport of Monrovia (LMC) Pier, and the Star Base, all of which were evaluated as part of Liberia’s eligibility process for the program.
Liberia’s inclusion places the country among a select group of ports participating in the flagship regional initiative, which targets improved maritime security standards, enhanced port governance, and stronger institutional capacity. The SCOPE Africa Program covers ten ports across nine countries, making it one of the most ambitious port security interventions currently underway in the region.
The program, launched in Lomé, Togo, is being implemented by Expertise France in partnership with Enabel, and focuses on aligning African ports with international best practices in port security, safety management, and crisis preparedness.
According to NPA officials, Liberia’s admission reflects growing confidence in the country’s port management reforms and its active engagement within the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA). Over the past years, the NPA has increased collaboration with regional and international maritime institutions, strengthening its profile within the West and Central African port community.
Maritime experts say participation in the SCOPE Africa Program is expected to deliver both technical and strategic benefits to Liberia, including improved risk assessment systems, stronger coordination among port security agencies, enhanced compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, and increased investor confidence in Liberia’s port infrastructure.
The NPA has described the development as a reinforcement of its commitment to modernizing Liberia’s ports, deepening strategic cooperation with global partners, and ensuring that port operations meet evolving international security and governance standards. As Liberia expands its role in regional trade and maritime logistics, officials say the SCOPE Africa partnership positions the country to better safeguard its ports while enhancing efficiency, transparency, and resilience across its maritime sector.
