TANGIER, Morocco — Liberia has signed a major port modernization deal with Tanger Med Engineering, a subsidiary of Morocco’s Tanger Med Port Authority, setting the stage for sweeping upgrades to the Freeport of Monrovia and the Port of Buchanan.
The agreement, signed in Tangier, marks the official launch of a comprehensive master plan aimed at aligning Liberia’s port infrastructure with international standards. The National Port Authority (NPA), led by Managing Director Sekou Hussein Dukuly, is spearheading the initiative as part of its broader maritime strategy focused on infrastructure renewal and institutional reform.
“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.”
Developed through months of technical collaboration, the master plan outlines a phased overhaul of key port facilities. Planned improvements include the redevelopment of container terminals, cargo berths, and warehousing zones. The blueprint also incorporates smart logistics platforms, advanced security systems, renewable energy integration, and major dredging operations to accommodate larger vessels.
The upgrades are expected to reduce cargo dwell times, increase handling capacity, and digitize customs and port operations—enhancing efficiency and lowering shipping costs. Officials say the changes will help accelerate turnaround times for importers and exporters while boosting Liberia’s attractiveness to domestic and foreign investors.
The deal also bolsters Liberia’s position in the competitive West African maritime landscape, placing it alongside regional port leaders in Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria. With expanded capacity and improved regional connectivity, Liberia could become a vital gateway for landlocked countries such as Mali and Guinea.
A high-level Liberian delegation attended the signing, including Sen. Momo T. Cyrus, chair of the Senate Committee on National Security; Rep. Austin B. Taylor, chair of the House Committee on Maritime; Rep. Sekou Kanneh, chair of the House Committee on Executive; Sekou B. Korleh, NPA executive director for governmental and international affairs; and Miniru M. Nyei, infrastructure technician and support consultant. They were joined by Liberia’s Ambassador to Morocco, Johnson J. Fayiah, and Emmanuel Larmé, chargé d’affaires at the Liberian Embassy in Rabat, both of whom played key diplomatic roles in finalizing the agreement.
The NPA’s modernization vision—backed by the Government of Liberia—is now moving into its construction and implementation phases. Officials say the Monrovia and Buchanan port master plans are more than technical blueprints; they represent a national effort to unlock Liberia’s economic potential and assert its role in Africa’s emerging trade future.
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