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The 8th Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Africa Regional Conference, scheduled for June 25 and 26, 2026, in Lagos, will serve as a strategic platform to advance Africa’s maritime and blue economy sectors through policy dialogue, investment discussions, and industry collaboration, organisers have said.
The President of African Women in Maritime (WIMA) Nigeria and Secretary of the WISTA Regional Conference Planning Committee, Mrs. Theodora Nwaeze, gave this remark on Wednesday even as she said the summit will bring together maritime stakeholders to develop practical solutions to challenges affecting trade, energy transition, digital transformation, taxation, sustainability, and inclusive growth across the continent.
The event, to be held at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, will convene policymakers, regulators, investors, development partners, maritime operators, legal experts, logistics professionals, energy specialists, and business leaders from Africa and other regions to strengthen cooperation in the sector.
Some of the high-level speakers include; former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside; President of the Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN), Chief Jean Chiazor Anishere (SAN); General Manager at IQS International (Pty) Limited, South Africa, Berenice Fillmore; Principal Consultant at FTE Professional Services Limited, Dr. Titilayo Fowokan; and Chairperson of Zoe Maritime Resources Limited, Barr. (Mrs.) Oritsematosan Edodo-Emore, among others.
Nwaeze remarked that the discussions would focus on Africa’s blue economy potential, maritime trade and investment opportunities, energy transition and sustainability, taxation frameworks, innovation and digital transformation, leadership, diversity and inclusion, and supply chain resilience.
According to her, the conference comes at a critical time for Africa as global economic shifts continue to reshape maritime trade flows and investment patterns, requiring stronger regional coordination and policy alignment.
Nwaeze equally reaffirmed WIMA Nigeria’s support for the conference, stressing the importance of collaboration among women groups in a bid to expand women’s participation and leadership in maritime governance, logistics, shipping, and trade facilitation across Africa.
While commending the visionary leadership of WISTA Nigeria by her President, Dr. Odunayo Ani, the Planning Committee Secretary added that the event reflects Nigeria’s growing stature as a maritime hub and demonstrates the commitment of industry stakeholders to fostering innovation, sustainability, leadership development, and inclusive growth across the sector.
The President of WISTA Nigeria, Dr. Ani, described the conference as a platform for ideas, partnerships, and action aimed at strengthening Africa’s maritime and blue economy sectors.
Ani said the event would highlight emerging opportunities, deepen regional cooperation, and reinforce Nigeria’s role within the global maritime value chain.
She added that the conference also marks 32 years of WISTA Nigeria’s establishment in 1994 as the first National WISTA Association in Africa, noting its long-standing contribution to professional excellence, gender inclusion, leadership development, and industry advancement.
