The National Port Authority of Liberia has been chosen to take part in SCOPE Africa, a European Union funded program focused on improving safety, security, and efficiency in major ports across West and Central Africa.
The €12 million initiative was launched in Lomé and is being delivered by Expertise France and Enabel. It brings together ten ports from nine countries to strengthen secure and well managed maritime corridors. Liberia is participating through its involvement in the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa.
NPA Deputy Managing Director for Administration, Hon. James R. Benard, said Liberia’s selection marks an important step forward and reflects ongoing reforms at the Freeport of Monrovia and the country’s outstation ports. He noted that SCOPE Africa will provide technical support and security upgrades that will help Liberia align with international standards and meet the needs of global trade.
SCOPE Africa addresses growing maritime risks in Africa, including criminal activity, terrorism, industrial accidents, and climate related challenges, by focusing on practical improvements in key areas.
The program supports stronger compliance with international port safety and security rules, improves crisis response and risk management, expands training and skills development with a focus on women and young people, and strengthens coordination between port authorities and national governments.
By joining this EU supported program, Liberia improves its ability to support the African Continental Free Trade Area by boosting competitiveness, strengthening logistics, and increasing resilience to emerging risks. The initiative also aligns with wider continental maritime security programs such as SEACOP, GoGIN, SAFE SEAS, and EnMAR.
Liberia’s inclusion in SCOPE Africa reflects increasing international confidence in the reform efforts of the National Port Authority. PMAWCA has recognized Liberia’s commitment to better port governance, safety, and professional standards.
Over the next three years, Liberia will take part in technical missions, security assessments, training activities, and peer learning with leading ports across the region. These efforts are expected to speed up Liberia’s development into a more resilient and competitive maritime hub.
source: maritimafrica.com
