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LAGOS WELCOMES 8TH WISTA AFRICA REGIONAL CONFERENCE AS MARITIME LEADERS CONVERGE FOR BLUE ECONOMY TALKS
By Prince Benson Davies
Lagos will take center stage in Africa’s maritime conversation when the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association Nigeria hosts the 8th WISTA Africa Regional Conference on 25th and 26th June 2026 at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island. The two-day event is expected to attract policymakers, regulators, investors, energy professionals, legal experts, logistics operators, and business leaders from across Africa and beyond for strategic discussions on the future of shipping and ocean resources.
The conference, convened under WISTA International, comes at a time when Africa’s maritime and blue economy sectors are facing rapid change driven by global energy transition, climate action, digital innovation, and shifting trade patterns. Stakeholders will use the platform to examine how African nations can position themselves to benefit from emerging opportunities while addressing challenges around sustainability, competitiveness, and inclusion.
For WISTA Nigeria, hosting the regional conference marks a milestone. The association was the first national chapter of WISTA established in Africa in 1994, and over the last three decades it has contributed to professional development, mentorship, gender balance, and policy advocacy within the maritime industry. The 2026 edition will build on that legacy by bringing more voices into discussions that shape shipping, ports, offshore energy, and coastal development.
The President of WISTA Nigeria, Dr. Odunayo Ani, said the event is designed to move beyond talk and create practical pathways for collaboration and investment. She noted that Africa’s share of global maritime trade is growing, and the continent must align policies, infrastructure, and human capacity to capture greater value. According to her, the conference will highlight new business models, financing options, and technologies that can improve efficiency across shipping, logistics, and supply chains while ensuring environmental responsibility.
Dr. Ani also confirmed that the programme will feature speakers and panelists drawn from maritime agencies, energy firms, finance institutions, legal practice, and government. The sessions will cover Africa’s Blue Economy, energy transition and sustainability, maritime trade and investment, taxation in shipping, innovation and digital transformation, leadership and diversity, as well as resilience in logistics and supply chains. Participants will have opportunities for direct engagement with decision-makers and industry experts.
Delegates are expected from countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. Organisers say the mix of regional and international participation will deepen cooperation, open doors for partnerships, and attract investment into Nigeria and other African maritime hubs. Side engagements will include business networking, project showcases, and meetings focused on mentorship and career development for young professionals and women in the sector.
As preparations continue, WISTA Nigeria says the conference reinforces Nigeria’s position as a key maritime destination in Africa. The association added that the event will also highlight ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity, innovation, and sustainable practices across the industry. WISTA Nigeria remains committed to advancing the role of women and young professionals in shaping a maritime sector that is competitive, safe, and responsive to Africa’s development needs.
Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association Nigeria is the Nigerian chapter of WISTA International, a global network of women professionals in maritime, trading, logistics, and offshore industries.
