NPA reaffirms institutional readiness for international investment and cooperation in support of the RESET Strategic Plan and the reform leadership of Managing Director Hon. Sekou A.M. Dukuly
The National Port Authority (NPA) of Liberia welcomes the outcome of a strategic partnership dialogue held on March 31, 2026, at the Embassy of Liberia near Paris, France, between Liberia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to France, Dr. Teeko Tozay Yorlay Sr., and Mr. Cedric VIRCIGLIO, Director for International Relations, European Affairs and Strategic Foresight at HAROPA PORT.
The engagement focused on establishing a formal partnership between the National Port Authority of Liberia and HAROPA PORT and represents an important step in Liberia’s efforts to strengthen international maritime cooperation, institutional capacity and port development.
HAROPA PORT was established in 2021 through the integration of the ports of Le Havre, Rouen and Paris into a unified port system along the Seine corridor. Today, it serves as one of Europe’s leading maritime and logistics platforms, connecting international shipping with inland waterways, rail freight, logistics and industrial operations.
The commencement of partnership discussions with the NPA reflects the growing opportunity for Liberia to deepen cooperation with established international port institutions and benefit from technical knowledge, capacity development and modern port management practices.
Advancing the NPA RESET Strategic Plan 2025–2030
The Paris engagement is closely aligned with the National Port Authority’s RESET Strategic Plan 2025–2030, the Authority’s framework for transforming Liberia’s port sector and positioning it for greater operational efficiency, investment and international competitiveness.
The RESET Strategic Plan is built around five key pillars:
Revenue Optimization
Efficiency in Port Operations
Safety and Security
Environment and Sustainability
Technological Modernization
These priorities correspond directly with several areas being considered for cooperation between the NPA and HAROPA PORT.
As part of the discussions, HAROPA PORT indicated its intention to develop and submit a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for review. The proposed cooperation is expected to explore areas including professional training and capacity building, technical knowledge exchange, port development and modernization, as well as potential support relating to equipment and operational requirements.
These areas are central to the NPA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the Freeport of Monrovia and Liberia’s wider port system in line with international standards and contemporary maritime practices.
Building on the Reform Leadership of Hon. Sekou A.M. Dukuly
The National Port Authority views the emerging partnership as further evidence of the growing international interest in Liberia’s port sector and the institutional reforms being undertaken under the leadership of Managing Director Hon. Sekou A.M. Dukuly.
Under Hon. Dukuly’s stewardship, the Authority has pursued reforms focused on operational efficiency, transparency, institutional governance, staff development, stakeholder engagement and the long-term modernization of Liberia’s ports.
These initiatives have contributed to strengthening the NPA’s institutional position and creating an environment in which international cooperation and strategic partnerships can be pursued more effectively.
The willingness of HAROPA PORT to explore formal cooperation with the NPA, facilitate technical exchanges and consider future working visits provides an opportunity to build on these reforms through practical knowledge-sharing and institutional collaboration.
The NPA remains committed to developing a modern, accountable and internationally competitive port authority capable of supporting Liberia’s trade, investment and broader economic development objectives.
Supporting Liberia’s National Development Agenda
The NPA also recognizes the Paris engagement as part of a wider whole-of-government approach to strengthening Liberia’s international partnerships.
During the discussions, Ambassador Yorlay emphasized the importance of deepening bilateral relations between Liberia and France through institutional cooperation and people-to-people engagement.
The initiative also supports the development vision of His Excellency President Joseph Nyumah Boakai under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, including efforts to strengthen international cooperation, improve national infrastructure and create the conditions necessary for sustainable economic growth.
The alignment between Liberia’s diplomatic engagements, the ongoing reform of the port sector and the Government’s wider development priorities provides a strong foundation for meaningful international partnerships.
Freeport of Monrovia: Open for Partnership and Investment
The National Port Authority takes this opportunity to reaffirm that the Freeport of Monrovia remains open for investment, technical cooperation and strategic international partnerships.
The dialogue with HAROPA PORT marks the beginning of what the Authority expects to become a structured and results-oriented institutional relationship.
The proposed Memorandum of Understanding, together with anticipated technical exchanges and future working visits, has the potential to deliver tangible benefits in professional development, operational capacity, infrastructure planning and international maritime cooperation.
The NPA commends Ambassador Dr. Teeko Tozay Yorlay Sr. for his initiative and diplomatic engagement in advancing discussions with HAROPA PORT.
The Authority stands ready to work closely with the Embassy of Liberia in France, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant government institutions to advance the proposed partnership and ensure that its outcomes contribute meaningfully to the development of Liberia’s maritime sector.
Through strategic partnerships, institutional reform and sustained investment in port modernization, the National Port Authority remains committed to building a more efficient, competitive and globally connected maritime sector for Liberia.
About the National Port Authority of Liberia
The National Port Authority of Liberia (NPA) is the statutory institution responsible for the administration, management and development of Liberia’s seaports, including the Freeport of Monrovia, Port of Buchanan, Port of Greenville and Port of Harper.
Guided by the RESET Strategic Plan 2025–2030, the Authority is advancing initiatives focused on port modernization, operational efficiency, safety and security, environmental sustainability, technological development and international maritime cooperation in support of Liberia’s national development objectives.
