Reported by: Prince Saah
Monrovia, Liberia – The National Port Authority (NPA) and France’s HAROPA PORT have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to modernize the nation’s seaports, implement smart port technologies, restore vital infrastructure, and increase trade between Africa and Europe. The signing proves significant progress in transforming Liberia’s maritime sector.
The agreement, signed Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in the historic French port city of Le Havre, establishes a long-term partnership between the NPA and HAROPA PORT, France’s largest river and maritime port complex, to strengthen cooperation in digital port management, automated terminal operations, logistics, technical training, infrastructure development, and sustainable maritime operations.
According to a statement, the agreement is in line with President Joseph N. Boakai’s infrastructure development program, which aims to upgrade Liberia’s vital economic assets, draw in international investment, and establish the nation as a hub for regional trade and logistics.
NPA Managing Director Sekou A. M. Dukuly called the deal a transformative collaboration that goes beyond diplomacy in his remarks at the signing ceremony. “This 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,” Dukuly said.
He stated that the collaboration will boost operations at Liberia’s four seaports, Monrovia, Buchanan, Harper, and Greenville, while allowing Liberia to take advantage of HAROPA PORT’s globally known experience. Dukuly commended HAROPA PORT, the Liberian Embassy in France, and the Le Havre Port Center for facilitating the deal and hailed President Boakai for his ongoing support of the NPA’s modernization strategy.
The Memorandum of Understanding, according to Liberia’s Ambassador to France, Teeko Teeko Tozay Yorlay Sr., will give Liberia access to top-notch maritime knowledge and open up new avenues for trade, investment, and economic collaboration.
Cédric Vircigilio, Director of International Relations, European Affairs, and Strategic Foresight at HAROPA PORT, described the agreement as a major step toward increasing maritime trade between Africa and Europe, adding that strengthening international cooperation and exchanging expertise are crucial to building the ports of the future.
The largest port complex in France and the fourth largest in Northern Europe, HAROPA PORT unites the ports of Le Havre, Rouen, and Paris and maintains maritime connections with about 650 ports across the world. The agreement is expected to accelerate Liberia’s port modernization program, improve cargo handling efficiency, strengthen maritime logistics, and position the country’s ports as more competitive gateways for regional and international trade.
