Le Havre, France / Monrovia, Liberia — The National Port Authority (NPA) of the Republic of Liberia and HAROPA PORT, the Seine Axis Major River and Maritime Port of France, have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding establishing a framework for long-term cooperation in port development, infrastructure modernization, smart port technologies and maritime trade.
Signed in the historic maritime city of Le Havre, the agreement represents a significant step in Liberia’s port modernization agenda and strengthens cooperation between Liberia and one of Europe’s leading port complexes.
The MoU aligns with the development priorities of the Government of Liberia under the leadership of His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia, whose administration has placed infrastructure development and credible international partnerships among its national priorities.
The agreement also reflects sustained diplomatic engagement by the Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in France under the leadership of His Excellency Teeko Tozay Yorlay, Sr., Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the French Republic.
Five Areas of Strategic Cooperation
The Memorandum establishes a non-exclusive framework for cooperation and knowledge exchange across five strategic areas:
- Smart port technologies and digital transformation
- Automated terminal operations and intelligent logistics
- Infrastructure modernization and rehabilitation
- Capacity building and technical knowledge exchange
- Sustainable maritime development
The agreement further provides for periodic consultations between the two institutions and the joint development of future initiatives designed to advance their shared maritime and economic objectives.
As the institution responsible for Liberia’s four seaports — Monrovia, Buchanan, Greenville and Harper — the National Port Authority has embarked on an ambitious modernization program aimed at improving operational efficiency, strengthening port infrastructure and positioning Liberia’s ports as competitive gateways for regional and international commerce.
HAROPA PORT brings significant international experience to the partnership. Its integrated port system encompasses Le Havre, Rouen and Paris, providing a major logistics and maritime gateway connecting France and Europe to international markets.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, NPA Managing Director Hon. Sekou A. M. Dukuly described the agreement as an important foundation for practical and measurable cooperation between the two institutions.
“The Memorandum is no formality of parchment and protocol. It is the articulation of a shared conviction — that partnership founded upon mutual confidence, candid exchange of knowledge and sustainable growth is the surest architecture for the ports of tomorrow. HAROPA PORT stands among Europe’s most accomplished complexes; the National Port Authority, for its part, advances Liberia’s infrastructure with singular resolve. Together, we intend to render that convergence into measurable and enduring benefits.”
Hon. Dukuly expressed the Authority’s appreciation to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. and the Government of Liberia for the confidence and policy direction that supported the initiative.
He also extended appreciation to HAROPA PORT, the Le Havre Port Center and the Embassy of Liberia in France for their respective roles in advancing the partnership.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Teeko Tozay Yorlay, Sr. welcomed the agreement as another important step in strengthening relations between Liberia and France.
He noted that the Memorandum provides Liberia with opportunities to benefit from international expertise while creating new avenues for investment, trade and maritime cooperation.
Also speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Cédric Vircigilio, Director for International Relations, European Affairs and Strategic Foresight at HAROPA PORT, emphasized the importance of cooperation and knowledge sharing in the development of modern ports.
He noted that the agreement opens a new chapter of collaboration with the potential to strengthen Africa–Europe maritime trade and deepen institutional cooperation between HAROPA PORT and the National Port Authority.
The Liberian delegation to Le Havre included Atty. Abigail T. Gbessagee, Senior Program Director in the Office of the Managing Director; Mr. Jusu Kamara, Senior Director for Public Relations; Mr. Mohammed Dolleh, Senior Director for Property and Environmental Affairs; and Ms. Vivian Ruby Lai, Director for Reporting and Reconciliation.
The signing of the Memorandum represents a significant milestone in the NPA’s broader modernization agenda and reinforces the Authority’s commitment to developing international partnerships capable of supporting infrastructure improvement, operational efficiency, digital transformation and sustainable growth across Liberia’s port sector.
