Monrovia – Mr. David Williams’ leadership in transforming the National Port Authority (NPA) regarded as the gateway to Liberia is being recognized by the African Leadership Magazine.
The NPA’s Managing Director, who has been at the helm of the NPA since December 2015, emerged as winner of the African Business Excellence Award in the 2017 edition of the African Business Leadership & Investment Forum, after a rigorous screening process.
He is expected to receive the honor on Friday, May 12, 2017 at the Le Meridian Piccadilly, London, United Kingdom.
In arriving at your choice for this award, the Magazine’s Advisory Board said, in its resolve to celebrate outstanding business leaders/institutions in Africa who have contributed to the continent’s growth and development confirmed Mr. Williams’ nomination and selection for the honor under the African Public Service Leadership Award Category.
“This award recognizes the exceptional public servant leader whose vision, innovations and management abilities have helped steer his agency successfully in both his home country and in the global market place, driving growth, success and profitability,” the organizers said in a letter to the NPA MD, notifying him of his appointment.
The African Business Leadership Award is a prestigious recognition event, which is on its 8th edition running and is organized in collaboration with Centre for Economic and Leadership Development to reward exceptional practices and outstanding achievers especially in Africa’s private sector.
It attracts over 250 businesses and professionals, as it provides a powerful networking opportunity for African business and professionals, as it provides a powerful networking opportunity for African business and business leaders to ling with business leaders from Europe and other parts of the world.
Mr. Williams started at the port as Deputy Managing Director for Operations in September 2014 and became Managing Director on December 1, 2015 following the ousting of former Managing Director Matilda Parker, first as Acting MD from April 2015 to November 30, 2015.
Since taking over Mr. Williams has oversaw the transformation of the Freeport into a 24-hour Contingency FUF – contingency fuel unloading facility, steer the oversight of APMT Phase 2 project, including no service rate increase over 2 years, the renovation of Greenville Port and concluded the Kuwait Loan Agreement – marine crafts , etc. , concrete pavement , modern drainage, lights in modernizing Freeport.
Under Mr. Williams’ watch, the port has also witnessed the development of the new corporate building, the competitive tender of Greenville Port – dedicated/specialized Quay for Oil Palm, dedicated/specialized Quay for Iron Ore, Dredging and managing is currently working toward an Integrated Port System alongside with Rail connectivity and the building of a Dry/Inland Port.
Past outstanding recipients of the African Leadership awards include, H.E. Hifikepunye Pohamba, President of Namibia, H.E. Jakaya Kikwete, President of Tanzania; H.E. Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, President of Sierra Leone; H.E. President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, President of Liberia; H.E. John Kuffour, former President of Ghana, Dr. Joyce Aryee, former CEO of Ghana Chamber of Mines; Cal Bank Limited and the African Development Bank.
Mr. Williams, in an interview with FrontPageAfrica said the recent wave of reforms at the port is aimed at spurring economic activities in and outside Liberia.
“Our long term goal is to make the port as the Hub for transshipment and a premier port in West and Central Africa’, Mr. Williams averred.