The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) and Senegal’s National Agency of Maritime Affairs (ANAM) have taken a major step toward strengthening maritime cooperation following high-level discussions in Dakar, Senegal aimed at formalizing a strategic partnership between the two maritime administrations.
The Liberian delegation, led by LiMA Commissioner/CEO Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., held bilateral talks with the Director General of ANAM, Becaye Diop, focusing on the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will foster cooperation in maritime governance, inland waterways transport systems, maritime education and training, and maritime infrastructure development.
During the meeting, Director General Diop welcomed the Liberian delegation and expressed Senegal’s commitment to forging a strong partnership with Liberia. He noted that collaboration with Liberia is particularly valuable given Liberia’s leadership role in global shipping as the operator of the largest ship registry in the world.
Director General Diop also informed the Liberian delegation of Senegal’s intention to contest for Category C membership of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) during the next elections scheduled for November 2027, and requested Liberia’s support for the bid.
Commissioner Lighe expressed appreciation for the invitation and reaffirmed Liberia’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with Senegal. He emphasized that while Liberia currently holds a Category A seat on the IMO Council, there is significant opportunity to learn from Senegal’s experience in strengthening its domestic maritime sector, particularly in inland waterways and ferry transport systems.
“Our engagement with Senegal represents an important opportunity for mutual learning and institutional collaboration,” Commissioner Lighe said. “Liberia brings experience in international maritime administration, while Senegal has made notable progress in developing domestic maritime infrastructure and transport systems. Together, we can build stronger maritime institutions that benefit both countries and the African continent.”
During the discussions, Liberia highlighted several ongoing initiatives aimed at modernizing its maritime sector, including the construction of a new executive annex at LiMA, expansion of digital infrastructure, the establishment of a digital library and IT center, and plans to upgrade the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center and acquire additional patrol boats to strengthen maritime security.
Liberia also underscored its commitment to maintaining compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) while working closely with the United States Coast Guard to enhance maritime security training and operational capacity.
For its part, Senegal presented several major maritime development initiatives, including the construction of new port infrastructure, expansion of maritime training institutions, and the introduction of eco-friendly ferry services aimed at improving coastal and island connectivity.
Senegal also highlighted a 49 billion CFA agreement with the Netherlands supporting port development and maritime education, as well as plans to modernize the Gorée Island ferry terminal and expand passenger ferry services to stimulate economic activity and improve transport links.
Both parties agreed that the proposed MOU will serve as a framework for technical cooperation, enabling the exchange of expertise in areas such as maritime training, ship inspection, digitalization, maritime safety, and enforcement against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The discussions also addressed the need for stronger African representation in global maritime governance. Liberia pledged support for Senegal’s aspiration to secure a Category C seat at the IMO Council, noting that greater continental collaboration is essential to strengthening Africa’s voice in international maritime decision-making.
As part of the visit, the Liberian delegation is expected to conduct technical site visits to several key maritime facilities in Senegal, including port infrastructure, shipyards, ferry terminals, and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC), to deepen knowledge exchange between the two maritime administrations.
Technical teams from both institutions will now begin work on drafting the Memorandum of Understanding, which will undergo internal review within Senegal before being finalized. Once approved, the official signing ceremony is expected to take place in Monrovia, Liberia.
The partnership between Liberia and Senegal is expected to strengthen maritime governance, promote capacity building, and enhance regional cooperation within Africa’s maritime sector.
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