Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association Nigeria (WISTA Nigeria) has announced plans to host the highly anticipated 8th WISTA Africa Regional Conference on June 25 and 26, 2026, at the prestigious Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Organised under the auspices of WISTA International, the conference will bring together a distinguished gathering of maritime leaders, policymakers, regulators, investors, energy experts, legal practitioners, logistics professionals, and business executives from across Africa and beyond for two days of high-level discussions, networking, and strategic collaboration.
The conference comes at a pivotal time for Africa’s maritime and blue economy sectors as stakeholders navigate emerging global trends surrounding energy transition, sustainability, digital transformation, trade competitiveness, taxation, and inclusive economic development.
Hosting the regional conference is particularly significant for WISTA Nigeria as the association marks 32 years of leadership and impact within the maritime industry. Established in 1994 as the first National WISTA Association in Africa, WISTA Nigeria has remained at the forefront of promoting professional excellence, leadership development, gender inclusion, and industry advocacy across the continent.
Speaking on the forthcoming conference, President of WISTA Nigeria, Dr. Odunayo Ani, described the event as a strategic platform that will help shape the future of Africa’s maritime and blue economy sectors.
“The 8th WISTA Africa Regional Conference represents far more than a gathering of industry professionals. It is a platform for ideas, innovation, partnerships, and action. As Africa continues to strengthen its position in global trade and maritime development, this conference will spotlight emerging opportunities, foster regional collaboration, and reinforce Nigeria’s strategic role within the global maritime value chain,” she said.
Dr. Ani further noted that the conference will feature an impressive lineup of speakers and industry leaders from the maritime, energy, finance, logistics, legal, and public sectors, offering participants valuable insights into some of the most pressing issues shaping the industry.
According to her, discussions will focus on critical themes including:
- Africa’s Blue Economy Development
- Energy Transition and Sustainability
- Maritime Trade and Investment Opportunities
- Taxation and Economic Policy
- Innovation and Digital Transformation
- Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion
- Shipping, Logistics and Supply Chain Resilience
With delegates expected from countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas, the conference is expected to deepen international cooperation while creating new opportunities for investment, business partnerships, and sustainable growth within the maritime sector.
Beyond the conference sessions, participants will benefit from exclusive networking engagements, business-to-business interactions, and collaborative platforms designed to strengthen regional and global industry connections.
As Nigeria continues to consolidate its position as a leading maritime hub in Africa, hosting the 8th WISTA Africa Regional Conference further underscores the country’s growing influence in global maritime discourse and its commitment to advancing innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable development across the sector.