By: Julius Konton
Sheikh Mustapha Kouyateh, Liberia’s Ambassador at Large has reaffirmed Liberia’s unwavering support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and called for accelerated continental integration through modern logistics.
He spoke in Dakhla Africa Logistics Forum, where he represented President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
Speaking before regional leaders, private-sector executives, and international stakeholders, the Liberian envoy praised the Kingdom of Morocco, describing Dakhla as “the shining gateway of Atlantic Africa” and commending the organizers for convening what he called a strategic, action-oriented platform for Africa’s economic future.
In a clear and unequivocal message, Ambassador Kouyateh restated Liberia’s long-standing diplomatic position:
“Liberia’s support for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Morocco and for Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara is full, unwavering, and deeply rooted in our respect for international law and regional stability.”
According to him, the diplomatic ties reinforces decades of bilateral friendship between Monrovia and Rabat and aligns with Liberia’s consistent stance in regional and multilateral forums.
He emphasized that logistics remains a critical bottleneck preventing Africa from reaching its economic potential, especially as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) enters an important implementation phase.
Intra-African trade remains at only about 15% of the continent’s total trade volume significantly lower than trade levels in Europe (60%) or Asia (50%).
He indicated that Africa’s population of 1.4 billion consumers, combined with one of the world’s fastest-growing youth demographics, offers an unprecedented market opportunity.
“But without modern logistics infrastructure efficient ports, transport corridors, digital trade platforms, and harmonized procedures these opportunities remain underutilized”, he added.
“The numbers are clear. Africa cannot unlock its economic promise unless movement of goods, services, and opportunities becomes faster, cheaper, and seamless. Logistics is not a sector, it is the backbone of development”, Amb. Kouyateh reemphasized.
The Liberian Ambassador at large also highlighted Morocco’s major infrastructure investments, particularly the Dakhla Atlantic Port, which is rapidly emerging as one of the most ambitious logistics projects in Africa.
The port, combined with new industrial zones and transportation corridors, is expected to:
Enhance Afro-Atlantic connectivity,
Strengthen trade links with West African markets including Liberia,
Expand investment opportunities,
Stimulate inter-regional cooperation.
“These infrastructures embody the spirit of the AfCFTA, Africans building their own routes, their own value chains, and their own future.”
He wants collective action in energy, digitalization, and Infrastructure underscoring that Liberia’s belief that African countries must:
Pool resources to address the energy transition, Accelerate the digital transformation of economies, Develop regional industrial value chains and
Promote a diplomacy of practical, impact-driven cooperation.
He praised Morocco’s leadership in these areas, noting that Rabat has positioned itself as a hub for renewable energy, logistics modernization, and south-south cooperation.
At the same time, he expressed hope that the Dakhla Africa Logistics Forum would produce concrete outcomes, not only declarations.
“We hope this Forum becomes a turning point, one that generates lasting partnerships, transformative projects, and renewed continental momentum toward shared prosperity.”
Meanwhile, The address was met with strong applause, with several delegates describing Liberia’s message as a clear call to action for a more connected, integrated, and self-reliant Africa.
