Liberia is proudly hosting the 10th Annual Conference of Port Management for West and Central Africa, an important regional event focused on strengthening maritime cooperation and port security.
The conference, organized by the National Port Authority (NPA), officially began on Tuesday, July 1, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Oldest Congo, Monrovia.
Welcoming delegates from across West and Central Africa, NPA Managing Director Sekou A. M. Dukuly expressed deep honor on behalf of Liberia’s president and people.
“We are humbled that Liberia was selected to host this significant gathering,” Dukuly said. “Your presence here reaffirms the trust placed in Liberia as a founding member of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA). This conference is more than a routine meeting; it symbolizes our ongoing commitment to regional cooperation, maritime safety, and port security.”
He highlighted Liberia’s strategic maritime role, noting that the National Port Authority operates four ports: the Port of Monrovia, Liberia’s principal and largest port; the Port of Buchanan, a key hub for food and goods; and the ports of Greenville and Harper, both located in the southeast.
Historically, the Free Port of Monrovia has served as a vital hub for the Mano River countries—Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia—although the region’s past conflict diminished this potential.
Since its establishment in the 1940s and full operation in the 1950s, Liberia is now reclaiming its rightful place as a maritime authority in the region.
Dukuly also emphasized the involvement of junior maritime officers and the National Coast Guard in port security efforts, underlining the link between security and national defense.
The three-day conference (July 1–3) brings together over 150 delegates representing 22 ports from 20 countries.
The event focuses on the theme: “Navigating the Challenges of Port Security and Safety,” addressing evolving threats, improving safety measures, and enhancing cooperation across the region.
Recently, at a press briefing at MICAT, NPA Deputy Managing Director for Administration James Richard Bernard praised Liberia’s role as host.
“This conference is not just a technical forum; it is a vital platform to protect our economy, our people, and our waterways,” Bernard said. He added that the event fosters knowledge sharing, the identification of common challenges, and collaboration toward practical solutions.
Bernard also highlighted Liberia’s growing presence in international maritime affairs, including recent gender-inclusive port security training held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. “Our women not only participated but are now leading critical discussions, both at this conference and domestically,” he noted, emphasizing the NPA’s commitment to human capital development and gender inclusion.
Aligning with President Joseph Boakai’s ARREST Agenda—which focuses on Agriculture, Rule of Law, Roads, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism—the NPA’s strategic priorities include strengthening governance, modernizing port infrastructure, training personnel with increased female participation, enhancing environmental and health standards, and boosting trade and tourism.
Bernard underscored the national significance of the conference: “Transforming our ports into models of security, efficiency, and reliability is a national imperative.”
Founded in 1972, PMAWCA counts Liberia among its founding members. However, the country’s membership had lapsed due to underrepresentation and unpaid dues following Liberia’s civil war. Under Sekou Dukuly’s leadership, the NPA has committed to clearing over $100,000 in outstanding dues through a structured payment plan, signaling a renewed dedication to regional maritime collaboration.
With Liberia hosting one of the largest gatherings in the PMAWCA network, the NPA is reaffirming its mission to deepen maritime partnerships across Africa and promote safer, more sustainable port operations.
This landmark conference marks a key milestone in Liberia’s journey to reassert itself as a regional maritime leader and highlights the growing importance of port security and cooperation in West and Central Africa.
