Listen to story here
As the world commemorates International Women’s Day, the Vice President (Seaports) of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) and National Matron of the NAGAFF Women’s Wing, Princess Chi Ezeh, has encouraged Nigerian women to actively position themselves to take advantage of the vast opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), particularly within the freight forwarding and logistics sector.
In a statement issued to mark the global celebration, Princess Ezeh, noted that the implementation of AfCFTA is opening a new era of intra-African trade, creating enormous prospects for women entrepreneurs and professionals in freight forwarding, maritime logistics, and cross-border commerce.
She emphasized that women must deliberately prepare themselves to participate in the expanding continental trade ecosystem by building capacity, embracing innovation, and engaging actively in freight forwarding and logistics services that facilitate trade across African markets.
“International Women’s Day is not only a time to celebrate the achievements of women but also an opportunity to encourage greater participation in emerging economic opportunities. The African Continental Free Trade Area presents a transformative platform for African trade, and women must not remain on the sidelines,” she said.
Princess Ezeh stressed that freight forwarding will play a critical role in the success of AfCFTA, making it imperative for more women to acquire the necessary knowledge, professional training, and industry exposure required to thrive in the sector.
She, however, commended the growing number of women already making significant contributions across the maritime value chain and urged industry stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives that promote gender inclusion and professional development.
The NAGAFF Vice President further reaffirmed her commitment, as National Matron of the NAGAFF Women’s Wing, to strengthening mentorship, capacity-building programs, and advocacy efforts aimed at preparing women to benefit from emerging trade opportunities under AfCFTA.
She also encouraged young women to remain focused and confident in pursuing careers in maritime, logistics, and international trade, describing the sector as a strategic gateway to economic empowerment and continental commerce.
