Morocco’s state-backed port operator Marsa Maroc has secured a management contract to operate two jetties at Liberia’s Port of Monrovia, marking a significant step in the company’s African expansion and a key development in Liberia’s efforts to modernise its maritime infrastructure.
The agreement, signed with Liberia’s National Port Authority (NPA), formalises a memorandum of understanding concluded in November 2024. It grants Marsa Maroc responsibility for rehabilitating, equipping and operating the two jetties through its international subsidiary, Marsa Maroc International Logistics (MMIL). Operations are expected to be commissioned in phases during the first half of 2026.
The contract follows an international tender process and is designed to improve the operational performance of Liberia’s main seaport, which handles the bulk of the country’s imports and exports. The scope of work includes rehabilitation of port infrastructure, deployment of modern handling equipment and the application of Marsa Maroc’s technical expertise, particularly in bulk cargo operations.
Liberia’s President Joseph Nyuma Boakai publicly welcomed the partnership in a January address to the country’s 55th Legislature, describing it as a “deeply renewed phase” for Liberia’s port infrastructure. He noted that a leading Moroccan port operator had committed to supplying equipment and logistical upgrades critical to improving port efficiency and trade competitiveness.
The Monrovia agreement represents the first phase of a broader strategic partnership between Marsa Maroc and Liberian authorities. A second phase is envisaged, under which both sides plan to negotiate a longer-term concession for the development and operation of a new multipurpose terminal at the port. The terminal would expand capacity and support growing trade flows, particularly linked to mining, agriculture and regional transit.
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Liberia has been working to strengthen the governance and operational performance of its ports as part of wider economic reforms. Recent measures include the creation of a maritime ports regulatory authority and the decentralisation of port management, aimed at improving transparency, accountability and efficiency in the sector.
Despite these reforms, challenges remain. A 2024 note from the U.S. Department of Commerce highlighted persistent issues at the Port of Monrovia, including high handling costs, corruption risks and administrative delays. According to the report, these inefficiencies have led some importers to divert cargo to neighbouring ports, notably Conakry in Guinea, raising logistics costs for Liberian businesses.
By bringing in an experienced international operator, the Liberian government hopes to address these constraints, reduce turnaround times and restore confidence among shipping lines and traders. Improved port performance is also expected to support broader economic activity, given Monrovia’s role as the country’s principal maritime gateway.
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For Marsa Maroc, the contract reinforces its growing footprint across Africa and aligns with its strategy of exporting Moroccan port management expertise to emerging markets. The company has built a strong reputation at home by managing major ports such as Casablanca, Tanger Med and Jorf Lasfar, and has increasingly sought opportunities beyond Morocco’s borders.
The Monrovia project will be managed by MMIL, Marsa Maroc’s international arm, which specialises in port terminal operations and logistics modernisation. The company said the phased commissioning of the jetties would allow for gradual capacity upgrades while maintaining continuity of port services.
Looking ahead, the planned multipurpose terminal concession could further deepen cooperation between Morocco and Liberia, while positioning Marsa Maroc as a long-term partner in the development of Liberia’s maritime infrastructure. If successful, the partnership could serve as a model for similar public-private collaborations across West Africa, where port congestion, ageing infrastructure and governance challenges continue to constrain trade.
As regional competition among ports intensifies, the Monrovia agreement underscores the strategic importance of operational efficiency, modern logistics and credible operators in strengthening Africa’s integration into global and regional supply chains.
