In a significant move marking its continued expansion across Africa, Morocco’s leading port operator, Marsa Maroc, has signed a management contract with the National Port Authority of Liberia (NPA) to oversee operations at the Port of Monrovia, Liberia’s most important seaport.
The agreement was formalised in early February 2026 following an international tender process, with Marsa Maroc being selected to manage two key jetties at the port. As part of the deal, Marsa Maroc — through its subsidiary Marsa Maroc International Logistics (MMIL) — will launch rehabilitation works, deploy modern port equipment, and contribute its technical expertise in bulk handling operations.
What the Contract Entails
The newly signed management contract represents the first phase of a broader strategic partnership between the Moroccan operator and Liberia’s port authority. Under the terms:
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Marsa Maroc will rehabilitate infrastructure, modernise selected facilities, and provide specialist logistics services.
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The agreement covers operational activities on two jetties at the Freeport of Monrovia, Liberia’s central maritime gateway, which handles the majority of national import and export cargo.
Operations under this management contract are scheduled to start in the first half of 2026.
The Strategic Vision: Concession & Expansion
While the current deal focuses on management and operational improvements, it also lays the groundwork for a second phase — a concession agreement to develop and operate a new multipurpose terminal at the Port of Monrovia. Such a concession would allow Marsa Maroc to play a long-term role in Liberia’s maritime logistics infrastructure, potentially transforming the port into a more efficient and competitive regional hub.
Broader Economic and Regional Impact
Observers say the contract comes at a crucial time for the Liberian economy and West African trade corridors. The Port of Monrovia serves as the primary gateway for international shipping in Liberia and is central to regional logistics networks connecting landlocked areas and neighbouring markets. Strengthening its performance could reduce shipping times, lower costs, and improve overall trade competitiveness.
For Marsa Maroc, this project is a continuation of its African expansion strategy under its long-term Marsa 2030 plan, which includes enhancing its operational footprint beyond Morocco’s borders. The company already manages terminals in Benin and has sought opportunities in East Africa and other strategic markets, reflecting a growing trend of Moroccan port operators engaging in continental logistics development.
