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The Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria is set to host the 8th WISTA Africa Regional Conference in Lagos, bringing together key players in the maritime, logistics, trade and blue economy sectors across the continent.
The two-day conference, scheduled for June 25–26, 2026, will hold at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, under the auspices of WISTA International.
The event comes at a symbolic period for WISTA Nigeria as the association marks its 32nd anniversary, reinforcing its status as the first National WISTA Association in Africa and one of the continent’s leading advocates for inclusion, professional development and leadership in the maritime industry.
Speaking ahead of the conference, President of WISTA Nigeria, Dr. Odunayo Ani, described the gathering as a strategic platform for regional cooperation, industry dialogue and stronger stakeholder engagement within Africa’s maritime ecosystem.
According to Ani, the conference will go beyond networking to stimulate meaningful conversations, partnerships and policy engagements capable of strengthening Africa’s maritime and blue economy sectors.
“The 8th WISTA Africa Regional Conference will provide an important platform for meaningful conversations, strategic partnerships and regional collaboration. It will further position Nigeria as an active player in the global maritime community while spotlighting the immense contributions of women in the industry,” she said.
The conference is expected to attract policymakers, regulators, development partners, business executives and maritime professionals from across Africa and beyond.
Discussions will focus on major industry priorities including the blue economy, maritime trade and investment, energy transition, taxation, sustainability, digital transformation, innovation, leadership, and the future of shipping and logistics in Africa.
Stakeholders from maritime, legal, finance, energy and trade sectors are also expected to participate, providing opportunities for cross-border collaboration, business networking and knowledge exchange.
As Africa seeks deeper integration into global trade, the conference is expected to advance regional cooperation, encourage innovation and expand leadership opportunities for women across the maritime value chain.
Established in 1994, WISTA Nigeria is the Nigerian chapter of WISTA International, a global network of female executives and decision-makers in shipping, logistics, trading and offshore industries. The association remains the first National WISTA body in Africa and continues to champion diversity, collaboration and professional excellence in the sector.
