…Focus on women’s leadership, blue economy

The Africa Blue Economy Women’s Forum, under the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER), will commemorate World Maritime Day 2026 with a continental conversation focused on translating maritime policies into action and strengthening women’s leadership across Africa’s maritime and blue economy sectors.

In a statement issued by its Director of Communications and Public Relations, Hajiya Medina Dauda Nadabo, the Forum said the event would provide a platform for women across Africa to connect, contribute, lead and influence the continent’s maritime future. Themed “Correcting the Map, Powering Maritime Excellence: Women Driving Africa from Policy to Practice,” the forum recognises the interconnected nature of Africa’s maritime future, spanning coastal and island nations as well as landlocked countries that depend on maritime corridors, ports, logistics and regional trade.

The conference will focus on strengthening women’s participation in policy formulation, governance, investment, innovation and implementation, with emphasis on moving beyond representation to meaningful leadership and impact across the maritime value chain. The Forum’s speakers include Ambassador Nancy Karigithu, who will deliver the keynote address on “Correcting the Map, Powering Maritime Excellence: Women Driving Africa from Policy to Practice.”

Other speakers are the ABER Secretary-General, Dr Christiana Chizoba Anyika, who will speak on “From Policy to Practice: Strengthening Women’s Leadership in Maritime Governance”; Dr Doaa Elgebali, “Financing Africa’s Maritime Future – Women, Investment and Blue Entrepreneurship”; and Dr Karen Sumser Lupson, “Maritime Excellence in Action – Innovations, Partnerships and African Women in the Blue Economy.” Barrister Sophie De Sylvie Djoufa will address “Networking and Strategic Positioning of Women in the Blue Economy.”

The conference will be moderated by Chief Segun Garner, while Dr Obiageri Appolonia Ezeabili will chair the Planning Committee. The Forum is expected to examine practical pathways for advancing women’s leadership, participation and influence across Africa’s maritime and blue economy sectors, while promoting stronger links between policy development and implementation.