Liberia is set to host a landmark regional gathering aimed at strengthening port security and maritime cooperation across West and Central Africa, with the National Port Authority (NPA) leading the effort.
The 10th Annual Harbour Masters and Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs) Conference, organized under the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), will take place in Monrovia from July 1–3, 2025. The event is expected to bring together over 150 delegates from 22 ports across 20 countries in the subregion.
At a press briefing held in Monrovia at MICAT, Deputy Managing Director for Administration at the NPA, James Richard Bernard, emphasized Liberia’s pride in hosting the prestigious forum. He described the conference as more than just a technical gathering, calling it “a vital platform to safeguard our economy, our people, and our waterways.”
The event will focus on the theme: “Navigating the Challenges of Port Security and Safety”, addressing the urgent need to counter evolving threats, improve safety protocols, and enhance regional cooperation.
“This conference allows us to share knowledge, identify common challenges, and build actionable solutions through collaboration,” Bernard said.
The NPA’s role in hosting this event marks a strategic step in its broader mission to advance Liberia’s maritime agenda. Bernard highlighted the country’s growing influence in international maritime affairs, noting its recent participation in a gender-inclusive port security training held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
“Our women not only participated—they are now leading critical discussions both at the conference and here at home,” he added, underscoring Liberia’s commitment to human capital development and gender inclusion in maritime security.
The NPA also aligned the goals of the upcoming conference with President Joseph Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, which prioritizes Agriculture, Rule of Law, Roads, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism. The Authority’s strategic focus includes:
Rule of Law & Governance: Ensuring transparent maritime administration and security compliance with global standards.
Infrastructure Development: Modernizing port facilities and strengthening safety and operational systems.
Human Capital: Training staff and increasing women’s participation in port security roles.
Environmental & Health Standards: Enhancing environmental stewardship and emergency preparedness.
Trade & Tourism: Boosting the efficiency and competitiveness of Liberia’s ports as trade gateways.
Though regional in scope, Bernard stressed the conference is a national development priority. “This vision must remain a national imperative as we work to transform our ports into models of security, efficiency, and reliability,” he stated.
PMAWCA was founded in 1972 with Liberia being a founding member of the Association.
Since the war, it lost membership with PMAWCA due to under representation and unpaid membership dues.
The leadership of Sekou A. M. Dukuly has committed to pay all outstanding dues of over 100 thousand US dollars inherited by the previous government.
PMAWCA and the NPA has set up a payment plan – with the Port Management gradually paying outstanding dues, and making bold steps to host the second biggest events in the PMAWCA networks.
The NPA reaffirmed its dedication to deepening maritime partnerships across the continent and championing safer, more sustainable port operations.
