Monrovia – In an effort to enhance more proactive ports nationwide, Liberia has entered a new chapter in its maritime and economic development following the official signing of a transformative port modernization deal with Tanger Med Engineering, a subsidiary of Morocco’s world class Tanger Med Port Authority.
On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the landmark agreement signed in Tangier, sets in motion the full implementation of a long-anticipated Master Plan for the Freeport of Monrovia and the Port of Buchanan. It is aimed at bringing Liberia’s port infrastructures to international standards.
The historic accord was spearheaded by the National Port Authority (NPA) under the leadership of Managing Director Sekou Hussein Dukuly, whose forward-looking agenda has placed infrastructure renewal and institutional reform at the heart of Liberia’s maritime strategy.
This Master Plan is designed to reimagine Monrovia’s Freeport as a 21st-century logistics and maritime hub—efficient, digitally integrated, and globally competitive.
Developed through months of technical collaboration, the Master Plan outlines a phased overhaul of key port facilities, including the redevelopment of container terminals, cargo berths, and warehousing zones. It also incorporates state-of-the-art smart logistics platforms, advanced security systems, and renewable energy solutions. Dredging operations and the expansion of port access corridors are also prioritized to accommodate larger vessels and increased trade volumes.
“This agreement is more than an infrastructure project—it is a national milestone,” said MD Dukuly during the signing ceremony. “It reflects our commitment to building a resilient, forward-looking port system that supports jobs, investment, and sustainable growth for Liberia.”
The upgrade is expected to dramatically enhance Liberia’s logistics performance by reducing cargo dwell times, increasing handling capacity, and digitizing customs and port operations. The economic ripple effects will be far-reaching—lower shipping costs, faster turnaround for importers and exporters, and a more attractive investment climate for both domestic and international businesses.
Equally important, the project will strengthen Liberia’s competitive positioning among West Africa’s major ports in Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria. With improved port capacity and regional integration, Liberia is also set to become a viable maritime gateway for landlocked neighbors such as Mali and Guinea, expanding its influence in the regional trade corridor.
A high-level Liberian delegation attended the signing, including Senator Momo T. Cyrus, Chairman on National Security of the Liberian Senate; Representative Austin B. Taylor, Chairman on Maritime of the House of Representatives; Representative Sekou Kanneh, Chairman on Executive; Mr. Sekou B. Korleh, Executive Director for Governmental and International Affairs at the NPA; and Mr. Miniru M. Nyei, Infrastructure Technician and Support Consultant.
The delegation was joined by Liberia’s Ambassador to Morocco, Johnson J. Fayiah, and Mr. Emmanuel Larmeh, Charges d’Affaires at the Liberian Embassy in Rabat, both of whom played key diplomatic roles in forging the agreement.
As construction and implementation phases commence, the NPA’s vision—championed by MD Dukuly and supported by the Government of Liberia—stands as a bold testament to strategic foresight and international collaboration.
The Monrovia and Buchanan Port Master Plans are more than engineering blueprints; they represent a national drive to unlock economic potential and cement Liberia’s place in Africa’s emerging trade future.
