By: Keith Morrison| Staff writer
Monrovia, Liberia -May 07, 2025 – In an effort to modernize port services in Liberia’s two major ports, the government of Liberia has taken a step forward to boost it’s maritime and economic development.
It followed the official signing of a transformative port modernization deal with Tanger Med Engineering, a subsidiary of Morocco’s world class Tanger Med Port Authority.
The landmark agreement which was signed yesterday in Tangier sets in motion the full implementation of a long-anticipated Master Plan for the Freeport of Monrovia and Buchanan Port. It is aimed at bringing Liberia’s port infrastructure to international standards and increase trade and revenue intake.
The historic accord was spearheaded by the National Port Authority (NPA) under the leadership of Managing Director Sekou Hussein Dukuly. Dukuly’s 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. Not only that, but 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,” Dukuly said 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.
In addition, the project strengthens 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 Cyrus, Chairman on National Security of the Liberian Senate; Representative Austin Taylor, Chairman on Maritime of the House of Representatives and Representative Sekou Kanneh, Chairman on Executive. Others are Sekou Korleh, Executive Director for Governmental and International Affairs at the NPA and Mr. Miniru Nyei, Infrastructure Technician and Support Consultant.
The delegation was joined by Liberia’s Ambassador to Morocco, Johnson Fayiah and 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 Dukuly and supported by the Government of Liberia—stands as a bold testament to strategic foresight and international collaboration.
The Monrovia and Buchanan Ports Master Plans are more than engineering blueprints as they represent a national drive to unlock economic potential and cement Liberia’s place in Africa’s emerging trade future.
Edited by: Esau J. Farr| Sub-Editor
