LE HAVRE, FRANCE — In a major move to modernize Liberia’s maritime infrastructure, the National Port Authority (NPA) and France’s HAROPA PORT have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing port modernization, smart technologies, and the Africa–Europe trade corridor.
The agreement, signed on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in the historic maritime city of Le Havre, establishes a durable framework for international cooperation. The compact aligns with the development agenda of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., whose administration has prioritized infrastructure rehabilitation and strategic global partnerships.
According to a dispatch from France, the deal was brokered with diplomatic support from the Embassy of Liberia in France, led by Ambassador Teeko Teeko Tozay Yorlay, Sr.
The non-exclusive agreement creates a collaborative platform centered on five core priorities. First, it focuses on smart port technologies and digital transformation by integrating modern technology into daily port management. Second, it introduces automated operations, which will bring intelligent logistics and automated terminal operations to the forefront.
Third, the partnership addresses infrastructure modernization through the rehabilitation of aging facilities across Liberia’s port network. Fourth, the pact prioritizes capacity building by launching technical exchanges and comprehensive training programs for personnel. Finally, the agreement champions sustainable development by promoting eco-friendly and green maritime practices.
The NPA, which oversees Liberia’s four major seaports—Monrovia, Buchanan, Harper, and Greenville—is currently on a aggressive drive to boost operational efficiency and establish the country’s harbors as preeminent gateways for regional trade. In HAROPA PORT, Liberia secures a heavyweight partner; as France’s foremost river and maritime complex (comprising Le Havre, Rouen, and Paris), it ranks fourth in Northern Europe and connects to nearly 650 ports worldwide.
Speaking at the high-profile signing ceremony, NPA Managing Director Hon. Sekou A. M. Dukuly emphasized that the agreement goes far beyond standard diplomacy.
“The Memorandum is no formality of parchment and protocol,” Dukuly stated. “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 added that by pairing HAROPA PORT’s world-class European expertise with the NPA’s resolve, the collaboration will yield “measurable and enduring benefits” for Liberia. He also extended his gratitude to President Boakai for his policy direction and praised the Liberian Embassy in France for facilitating the pact.
Ambassador Yorlay lauded the government’s efforts, noting that the MoU strengthens the long-standing diplomatic and economic ties between Liberia and France. “It affords Liberia access to world-class expertise while opening fresh avenues for investment, trade, and maritime collaboration,” Yorlay said.
Representing the French side, Cédric Vircigilio, HAROPA PORT’s Director for International Relations, European Affairs, and Strategic Foresight, welcomed the initiative. He noted that sharing expertise is indispensable to building the ports of tomorrow and affirmed that the accord inaugurates a collaboration of true consequence for Africa–Europe maritime trade.
The high-level Liberian delegation accompanying Managing Director Dukuly to Le Havre included Atty. Abigail T. Gbessagee (Senior Program Director, Office of the MD), Mr. Jusu Kamara (Senior Director for Public Relations), Mr. Mohammed Dolleh (Senior Director for Property and Environmental Affairs), and Ms. Vivian Ruby Lai (Director for Reporting and Reconciliation).
The agreement provides for periodic consultations and the joint development of future successor initiatives to ensure the partnership remains active and impactful.
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