MONROVIA – Africa’s maritime domain is increasingly becoming a strategic frontier for economic development, security cooperation, and global trade integration. As coastal states seek to strengthen governance of their waters and expand maritime infrastructure, partnerships between African maritime institutions are gaining renewed importance. Liberia and Senegal—two influential maritime actors in West Africa—are now exploring deeper collaboration that could reshape aspects of maritime administration and training across the region. Liberia operates the world’s largest ship registry, while Senegal is investing heavily in port infrastructure and inland water transport systems. As THE ANALYST reports, a new Memorandum of Understanding under discussion between the two countries signals a growing recognition that African states must work together to strengthen maritime capacity, improve safety, and expand continental representation in global maritime governance.
Liberia and Senegal have taken significant steps toward strengthening bilateral cooperation in maritime governance, as senior officials from both countries advanced discussions aimed at formalizing collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The proposed agreement seeks to deepen cooperation in several critical areas, including maritime governance, inland waterways transport, maritime training, infrastructure development, digitalization, and maritime security.
The discussions took place in Dakar, where a high-level delegation from the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) held official talks with leaders of Senegal’s National Agency of Maritime Affairs (ANAM) during a working visit to the West African nation.
The Liberian delegation was led by LiMA Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., while the Senegalese side was headed by ANAM Director General Becaye Diop.
Senegal Welcomes Strategic Partnership
Welcoming the Liberian delegation to Dakar, Director General Diop emphasized Senegal’s interest in building a strategic maritime partnership with Liberia.
According to him, collaboration with Liberia—operator of the world’s largest ship registry—presents an important opportunity for knowledge exchange and institutional strengthening.
Diop noted that Liberia’s extensive experience in global ship registration and maritime administration could offer valuable lessons for Senegal as it continues to expand its maritime capabilities.
He also disclosed that Senegal intends to contest for Category C membership on the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) during elections scheduled for November 2027.
In that regard, the Senegalese maritime chief formally requested Liberia’s support for the upcoming bid.
The IMO Council is one of the most influential decision-making bodies in global maritime governance, responsible for overseeing policy direction and regulatory frameworks affecting international shipping.
Liberia Reaffirms Commitment To Cooperation
Responding to the request, Commissioner Lighe thanked ANAM for the invitation and reaffirmed Liberia’s willingness to strengthen maritime collaboration with Senegal.
He noted that Liberia currently holds a Category A seat on the IMO Council, a position reserved for states with the largest interests in international shipping.
However, he stressed that Liberia remains committed to improving its domestic maritime sector while also supporting broader African cooperation in maritime governance.
According to Lighe, Liberia is particularly interested in learning from Senegal’s experience in developing inland waterways transport and ferry systems, areas that could contribute to improving connectivity and transportation within Liberia.
Liberia Highlights Maritime Sector Developments
During the discussions, the Liberian delegation outlined several key initiatives currently underway within Liberia’s maritime sector.
These include construction of a new executive annex at the Liberia Maritime Authority, expansion of digital infrastructure within the maritime administration system, plans to upgrade Liberia’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Center, Strengthening maritime security through collaboration with the United States Coast Guard.
Officials said these initiatives are part of broader efforts by the Liberian government to modernize maritime governance and enhance operational efficiency within the sector.
Maritime authorities in Liberia have also been working to strengthen regulatory compliance and improve coordination with international partners.
Senegal Outlines Ambitious Maritime Plans
For its part, Senegal presented a series of ambitious maritime development projects currently underway across the country.
The initiatives entail the development of new port infrastructure, the expansion of maritime training institutions, the introduction of eco-friendly ferry systems, and investments in maritime education and capacity building
Officials revealed that Senegal has secured a 49 billion CFA agreement with the Netherlands to support port construction projects and maritime education programs.
Additional plans are also underway to modernize the Gorée Island ferry terminal and expand ferry services designed to improve connectivity between Dakar and nearby island communities.
The projects form part of Senegal’s broader national strategy to transform its maritime sector into a key driver of economic growth and regional connectivity.
Cooperation Against Illegal Fishing
Both Liberia and Senegal also emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, a major challenge facing coastal states across West Africa.
Illegal fishing activities have long undermined the sustainability of marine resources while depriving coastal nations of significant economic revenue.
Under the proposed MOU framework, both countries intend to cooperate in areas such as ship inspection and maritime safety enforcement, training and technical exchange programs, digitalization of maritime systems, and joint efforts to combat illegal fishing
Officials believe such cooperation could strengthen regional efforts to protect marine resources and enhance maritime security in West African waters.
Strengthening African Voice In Global Maritime Governance
The discussions also highlighted the need for stronger African representation in global maritime governance institutions.
Liberia pledged support for Senegal’s planned IMO Council Category C bid, emphasizing the importance of continental collaboration in shaping global maritime policies.
Maritime leaders from both countries agreed that increased African participation in global maritime decision-making bodies would help ensure that the interests of African coastal states are better represented.
Next Steps Toward MOU Signing
Following the meeting, both parties agreed that technical teams from the Liberia Maritime Authority and ANAM will begin drafting the Memorandum of Understanding.
The document will undergo internal review within Senegal before being finalized by both governments.
Once the process is completed, the official signing ceremony is expected to take place in Monrovia, Liberia.
Officials from both sides described the engagement as an important step toward strengthening maritime cooperation between Liberia and Senegal while advancing broader collaboration among African maritime institutions.
The initiative also reflects growing recognition among African coastal states that regional partnerships will play a critical role in shaping the future of maritime development across the continent.