Liberia Bets on Tanger Med to Become a Logistics Hub in West Africa
A Strategic Partnership in Liberia: Modernizing Maritime Infrastructure
A Turning Point for Liberia
Beyond political considerations, Liberia has reached a decisive milestone by establishing a strategic partnership with Tanger Med Engineering, the technical subsidiary of the Moroccan port group, Tanger Med. This collaboration marks the launch of an extensive modernization program for the ports of Monrovia and Buchanan, which have become priorities in the country’s economic recovery strategy.
This agreement, while discreet, is of critical significance and initiates a profound transformation of Liberia’s port infrastructure. The goal is to adapt the facilities to current logistical and technological standards to meet the growing demands of international maritime trade.
After several months of technical collaboration, this master plan fully aligns with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s vision, embodied by the "ARREST" agenda (Agriculture, Roads, Reconciliation, Education, Health, Technology). The ambition is clear: to equip the country with a modern logistical foundation that drives sustainable development and regional integration.
Shared Continental Ambitions
By sharing its expertise, Tanger Med strengthens its presence on the continent and reaffirms its leadership role in African port engineering. The Moroccan company goes beyond a consulting role; it actively participates in implementing the project, which is centered around six major initiatives: modernization of docks, renovation of container terminals, reconstruction of warehouses, creation of intelligent logistics platforms, enhancement of port security, and adoption of sustainable energy solutions.
These efforts, which include dredging operations and capacity expansion, aim to transform the ports of Monrovia and Buchanan into hubs capable of handling increasing maritime traffic with larger vessels. This strategic repositioning will enable Liberia to integrate into the major logistical corridors of West Africa.
An Economic Sovereignty Lever
"This project transcends mere infrastructure; it represents a lever for economic transformation," stated Sekou Hussein Dukuly, director general of the National Port Authority (NPA). Beyond boosting employment, this initiative seeks to attract investments and enhance the country’s logistical autonomy.
The digitization of customs and port procedures, alongside improved handling of goods flows, will help reduce transit times and position Liberia as a logistical hub for landlocked countries like Mali and Guinea. This is a strategic advancement that will facilitate smoother and more integrated intra-African trade.
Strengthened Moroccan-Liberian Cooperation
This new partnership continues the cooperation initiated in November 2024 with Marsa Maroc. An agreement was signed then for the rehabilitation of the Buchanan port and the operation of a multipurpose terminal in Monrovia. These initiatives reflect a shared commitment to co-development, based on a public-private model and a transfer of expertise.
With this new phase, Morocco solidifies its status as a strategic partner for West African countries eager to modernize their logistical chains.
Political Support and Diplomatic Outreach
The agreement enjoys broad political support in Liberia. Several figures, including Senator Momo T. Cyrus and representatives Austin B. Taylor and Sekou Kanneh, have praised this initiative as a means of economic sovereignty.
On a diplomatic front, the efforts of the Liberian diplomatic corps in Morocco, notably Ambassador Johnson J. Fayiah and Chargé d’Affaires Emmanuel Larmeh, have been instrumental in realizing this ambitious accord. It stands as a successful example of proactive economic diplomacy.
A Regional Repositioning in Progress
As the ports of Lagos and Abidjan struggle to meet rising demand, the modernization of secondary ports like Monrovia and Buchanan could redefine maritime flow maps in West Africa. In the long term, these hubs could capture a significant share of transshipment traffic and provide alternative solutions for major shipping companies.
