04/12/2025
Liberia Secures Place in EU’s €12M SCOPE Africa Port Security Initiative
The National Port Authority (NPA) of Liberia has earned a major milestone on the international maritime stage, following its admission into SCOPE Africa, a €12 million European Union–sponsored program dedicated to strengthening port security and governance across West and Central Africa.
The initiative, unveiled recently in Lomé and jointly implemented by Expertise France and Enabel, targets ten ports across nine countries. Its goal is to build safer, more resilient, and professionally managed maritime corridors capable of meeting rising global security and trade demands.
Liberia’s selection comes as a direct result of its increased engagement and reform efforts within the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA).
NPA Deputy Managing Director for Administration, Hon. James R. Benard, welcomed the development, calling it “a strong vote of confidence in the ambitious transformation we have begun at the Freeport of Monrovia and our outstation ports.” He noted that participation in SCOPE Africa will provide Liberia with critical technical support, modern security tools, and broader alignment with international maritime standards.
The program specifically aims to address a range of growing threats—terrorism, organized criminal activities, industrial hazards, and climate-related vulnerabilities. To confront these challenges, SCOPE Africa will deliver key upgrades in:
• Port safety and security compliance
• Crisis preparedness and risk mitigation
• Workforce development with emphasis on youth and women
• Strengthened cooperation between ports and national institutions
• Support to regional bodies, including PMAWCA
For Liberia, the partnership means access to high-level training, security assessments, improved governance mechanisms, and structured technical missions that will improve overall port readiness.
Liberia’s entry into the program is expected to enhance the country’s ability to participate effectively in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Improved security and operational efficiency will position the NPA to handle increased trade volumes and withstand emerging maritime risks.
The initiative also aligns with broader continental security collaborations such as SEACOP, GoGIN, SAFE SEAS, and EnMAR, all geared toward protecting African waters and improving port operations.
PMAWCA has commended Liberia for taking significant steps to strengthen port governance and for demonstrating renewed commitment to professionalism and safety.
Over the next three years, Liberia will work closely with partner ports on audits, joint training sessions, and knowledge-sharing activities—measures expected to accelerate the NPA’s journey toward becoming a competitive and secure maritime hub in the region.