The European Union has selected Liberia to participate in SCOPE Africa, a major €12 million port security program, marking a significant strategic win for the National Port Authority (NPA) and placing the country among an elite group of nine West and Central African nations.
The EU-funded program, launched in Lomé and implemented by Expertise France and Enabel, will strengthen safety, security, and operational efficiency across ten regional ports. Liberia secured its position through active engagement with the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA).
“This selection is a strategic breakthrough that validates the sweeping reforms underway at the Freeport of Monrovia and our outstation ports,” said NPA Deputy Managing Director for Administration, Hon. James R. Benard. “SCOPE Africa will unlock technical assistance and security enhancements that directly help us meet international standards and support modern global trade.”
The program directly addresses rising maritime threats—including criminal networks, terrorism, industrial risks, and climate pressures—by delivering targeted improvements. Key focus areas include:
* Boosting compliance with global port safety and security standards.
* Fortifying crisis response and risk management systems.
* Expanding professional training and workforce development, with emphasis on women and youth.
* Enhancing cooperation between port authorities and national governments.
* Strengthening regional platforms like PMAWCA.
For Liberia, participation grants expanded access to specialized training, upgraded governance frameworks, and comprehensive security assessments.
This EU-backed initiative also advances Liberia’s readiness for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by enhancing the country’s logistical competitiveness and resilience. The program will complement existing continental security efforts, including SEACOP, GoGIN, and SAFE SEAS.
PMAWCA has praised Liberia’s commitment to port reform, a factor that underpinned the selection. Over the next three years, the NPA will engage in technical missions, security audits, training programs, and peer collaboration with leading regional ports—accelerating Liberia’s progress toward becoming a secure and competitive maritime hub.
