To reclaim its place as a port hub in West and Central Africa, the country is hosting the 10th meeting of Harbor Masters and PFSOs Network.
The meeting includes Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs), under the banner of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA).
The event, will be held from July 1–3, 2025, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, Monrovia.
It is bringing together delegates from more than 20 countries, marking the first time the country has hosted the prestigious regional maritime forum.
Themed: “Navigating the Challenges of Port Safety and Security,” the conference served as a collaborative platform for high-ranking port officials, harbor masters
PFSOs, maritime administrators and technical experts from across the sub-region.
Countries represented are Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Cameroon, La Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Benin, Togo, Senegal, and Liberia.
Representatives from international development organizations and maritime partners are also attending.
The hosting of this year’s conference has been widely recognized as a milestone for the country’s maritime sector, coming at a time when Liberia is under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, whose administration has prioritized infrastructure rehabilitation, economic revitalization, and international engagement.
In his opening remark, National Port Authority (NPA) Managing Director, Sekou A. M. Dukuly, warmly welcomed regional stakeholders.
Dukuly acknowledged credited the government’s vision and renewed commitment to international standards for the country’s successful hosting.
“We are honored to welcome this distinguished body of maritime professionals to our country,” Mr. Dukuly said.
“After years of post-war recovery and rebuilding, the country’s ability to host this conference reflects our national resilience and our commitment to maritime development, port safety, and regional cooperation.”
He spoke highly of the country’s participation in the PMAWCA family, adding that it is not just about presence, but about leadership, innovation, and sustainable reform.
In his keynote address on behalf of the government, Deputy Transport Minister for Road and Transport, Randall Nike, described the conference as a turning point for regional port operations and economic integration.
He said port safety and security now stand at the heart of economic resilience and national development.
The three-day conference featured a series of high-level plenary discussions, breakout sessions, and working groups focused on port infrastructure.
Technological innovation, maritime surveillance, port security training and the harmonization of safety standards across borders.
Experts emphasized the importance of integrated port risk management systems and shared platforms for real-time intelligence, particularly in tackling piracy, cyber threats, smuggling, and transnational maritime crimes.
PFSOs and harbor masters who are on the frontline of ensuring port safety shared experiences and lessons learned from national contexts, reinforcing the value of collective strategy and cooperation.
Secretary General of PMAWCA, Jean Marie Koffi, praised Liberia for its hospitality and ability to successfully coordinate the multi-national conference.