Monrovia, Liberia – March 23, 2026 – A cohort of more than 25 Liberian maritime and port officials has completed a specialized security training program, part of a broader European Union initiative to enhance port safety and operational standards across West and Central Africa.
The training, conducted in Monrovia, was organized under the EU-funded Securing Corridors, Ports and Exchanges in Western and Central Africa (SCOPE Africa) program. Participants included staff from the National Port Authority (NPA) and other national maritime institutions. This specific course is one component of a €12 million, four-year program (2026-2030) targeting ten major regional ports, including the Freeport of Monrovia, to strengthen compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
Implemented by Expertise France and Enabel with EU support, SCOPE Africa aims to build capacity in risk management, crisis response, cybersecurity awareness, and the safe handling of dangerous goods. The program also promotes regional cooperation and intelligence sharing to address persistent security threats in the Gulf of Guinea.
Sandy Cranston, Training Coordinator for the EU SCOPE Africa Program, emphasized the initiative’s focus on practical capacity building. “The training is designed to equip port professionals with the skills to manage evolving risks, from physical security to cyber threats,” Cranston said. “Enhanced cooperation and information-sharing among regional ports are critical for mitigating these shared challenges.”
James Bernard, Managing Director for Administration at the NPA, described the training as a significant advancement for Liberia’s maritime sector. “The participation of our staff underscores the government’s commitment to improving port governance and aligning with international safety and operational standards,” Bernard stated. He added that stronger security and operational systems are essential for protecting national infrastructure and attracting increased international shipping traffic to Liberia.
Beyond security, the SCOPE Africa initiative incorporates training in environmental sustainability, digital port management, and maritime intelligence sharing, often in partnership with institutions like the Regional Maritime University in Accra, Ghana. The program aligns with the European Union’s Global Gateway Strategy, which seeks to foster resilient infrastructure and sustainable connectivity in Africa.
For Liberia, the completion of this training marks a concrete step toward modernizing its maritime sector. By bolstering human resource capacity and institutional frameworks, the country aims to enhance its national security profile and position itself as a more competitive and reliable trade hub within the region. The ongoing SCOPE Africa program is expected to deliver further specialized training and technical support to the Freeport of Monrovia in the coming years.
