Senegal’s maritime collaboration with Liberia is valuable given Liberia’s leadership role in global shipping as the operator of the largest ship registry in the world.
By Blue Africa News
Liberia and Senegal are moving toward a stronger maritime cooperation framework, designed to formalise a strategic partnership between the West African nations maritime administrations.
Formalisation of a proposed maritime cooperation framework was at the centre of bilateral talks during a recent meeting between the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) and Senegal’s National Agency of Maritime Affairs (ANAM) held in Dakar, Senegal, with the two countries expected to foster cooperation in maritime governance, inland waterways transport systems, maritime education and training, and maritime infrastructure development.
The Liberian delegation was led by LiMA Commissioner Neto Zarzar Lighe while Becaye Diop represented ANAM in his capacity as the Director General. Diop expressed Senegal’s commitment to forging a strong partnership with Liberia, going forward.
Collaboration with Liberia, Diop noted, 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,” said LiMA in a statement.
Liberia is the only African country that holds a Category “A” seat at IMO, while Morocco, South Africa, Nigeria and Egypt hold category “C” seats at the IMO Council having been elected on November 28, 2025.
During the meeting, Commissioner Lighe reaffirmed Liberia’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with Senegal. The Commissioner, appearing to sound humble, noted that while Liberia holds a category “A” seat at 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,” said Commissioner Lighe.
“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.”
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.
During the engagement, ongoing initiatives aimed at modernising Liberia’s maritime sector were discussed. The initiatives include 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 Maritime Authority and Senegal’s National Agency of Maritime Affairs officials pose for a photo during their meeting held in Dakar, Senegal. Photo courtesy: LiMA
On the other hand, 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 approximately US$86.9 million agreement with the Netherlands, in support of port development and maritime education, besides plans to modernise the Gorée Island ferry terminal.
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, digitalisation, maritime safety, and enforcement against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The inroads in Dakar is a sign of Liberia’s growing bid to create a maritime footprint across Africa. In February, Tanzania and Liberia signed a new partnership penciled on strengthening African maritime cooperation by expanding seafarer training, certification and institutional collaboration.
The MoU is expected to position Tanzania as a beneficiary to Liberia’s long-standing engagement at the IMO, including active participation in agenda submissions, technical committees, and global maritime policy discussions.
Oliver Ochieng, Blue Africa News