The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) and Senegal’s National Agency of Maritime Affairs (ANAM) have moved to strengthen maritime cooperation after holding high-level-level discussions in Dakar, Senegal. The talks focused on building a strategic partnership between the two maritime administrations.
The Liberian delegation, led by LiMA Commissioner and CEO Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr,Sr, met with ANAM Director General Becaye Diop to discuss plans for a Memorandum of Understanding. The proposed agreement will support cooperation in maritime governance, inland waterways transport, maritime education and training, and maritime infrastructure development.
Director General Diop welcomed the Liberian delegation and expressed Senegal’s willingness to build a strong partnership with Liberia. He noted that working with Liberia is important because of the country’s global role as the operator of the world’s largest ship registry.
Director General Diop also informed the Liberian delegation that Senegal plans to seek Category C membership of the Council of the International Maritime Organization during the elections scheduled for November 2027. He asked Liberia to support Senegal’s bid.
Commissioner Lighe thanked Senegal for the invitation and reaffirmed Liberia’s interest in strengthening cooperation with the country. He said that although Liberia currently holds a Category A seat on the IMO Council, it can still learn from Senegal’s experience in developing its domestic maritime sector, especially in inland waterways and ferry transport.
Commissioner Lighe said that engagement with Senegal offers an opportunity for both countries to learn from each other and strengthen institutional cooperation. He explained that Liberia has experience in international maritime administration, while Senegal has made progress in developing domestic maritime infrastructure and transport systems. He added that collaboration between the two countries can help build stronger maritime institutions that will benefit both nations and the wider African maritime sector.
Liberia also outlined several initiatives aimed at modernising its maritime sector. These include the construction of a new executive annexee at LiMA, expansion of digital infrastructure, creation of a digital library and IT centre,centre, and plans to upgrade the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre while acquiring additional patrol boats to improve maritime security.
Liberia further highlighted its commitment to maintaining compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code while continuing to work with the United States Coast Guard to strengthen maritime security training and operational capacity.
Senegal also shared updates on several maritime development projects. These include the construction of new port infrastructure, expansion of maritime training institutions, and the introduction of environmentally friendly ferry services to improve transport connections between coastal and island communities.
Senegal also mentioned a 49 billion CFA agreement with the Netherlands to support port development and maritime education. The country also plans to modernise the Gorée Island ferry terminal and expand passenger ferry services to boost economic activity and improve transportation links.
Both sides agreed that the proposed Memorandum of Understanding will create a framework for technical cooperation. This will allow both countries to share knowledge in areas such as maritime training, ship inspection, digital systems, maritime safety, and enforcement against illegal, unreported and unregulatedunregulated fishing.
The discussions also focused on the need for stronger African representation in global maritime governance. Liberia confirmed its support for Senegal’s bid for a Category C seat on the IMO Council and noted that closer cooperation among African countries will help strengthen the continent’s voice in international maritime decision-making.
During the visit, the Liberian delegation is expected to carry out technical visits to several key maritime facilities in Senegal. These include ports, shipyards, ferry terminals, and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center to support knowledge exchange between the two maritime administrations.
Technical teams from both sides will now begin drafting the Memorandum of Understanding. Senegal will review the document internally before final approval. Once the process is completed, the two countries expect to hold the official signing ceremony in Monrovia, Liberia.
The partnership between Liberia and Senegal is expected to support stronger maritime governance, improve capacity development, and encourage closer cooperation within Africa’s maritime sector.
source:maritimafrica.com
African Maritime Council