Lagos is set to become the epicentre of maritime discourse in Africa as the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria hosts the 8th WISTA Africa Regional Conference from June 25 to 26, 2026, at the prestigious Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island.
The high-profile conference is expected to attract an influential mix of maritime leaders, policymakers, regulators, investors, energy experts, legal practitioners, logistics professionals, and business executives from across Africa and beyond, positioning Nigeria at the forefront of discussions shaping the future of the continent’s maritime and blue economy sectors.
Organised under the auspices of WISTA International, the two-day gathering comes at a critical time when stakeholders are grappling with emerging global challenges and opportunities surrounding energy transition, sustainability, trade competitiveness, digital innovation, taxation, and inclusive economic development.
The conference also marks a significant milestone for WISTA Nigeria, which is celebrating 32 years of pioneering leadership and advocacy within the maritime industry. Established in 1994 as the first National WISTA Association in Africa, the organisation has consistently championed professional excellence, gender inclusion, leadership development, and policy advocacy across the maritime ecosystem.
Speaking ahead of the conference, President of WISTA Nigeria, Dr. Odunayo Ani, described the event as a transformative platform designed to shape the future of Africa’s maritime industry.
“The 8th WISTA Africa Regional Conference is more than a professional gathering; it is a catalyst for innovation, partnerships, and sustainable growth,” she said.
“As Africa strengthens its role in global trade and maritime development, this conference will provide a platform to explore emerging opportunities, deepen regional collaboration, and reinforce Nigeria’s strategic position within the global maritime value chain.”
According to her, participants will gain valuable insights from an array of renowned speakers and industry experts drawn from the maritime, energy, finance, logistics, legal, and public sectors.
Discussions will focus on some of the most pressing issues confronting the industry, including Africa’s blue economy potential, energy transition and sustainability, maritime trade and investment opportunities, taxation, digital transformation, shipping and logistics, supply chain resilience, as well as leadership, diversity, and inclusion.
With delegates expected from countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas, the conference is poised to strengthen international cooperation, unlock fresh investment opportunities, and promote sustainable growth within the maritime sector.
Beyond the technical sessions, participants will engage in high-level networking forums, business matchmaking opportunities, and strategic partnerships aimed at fostering stronger regional and global industry connections.
Industry observers say the hosting of the conference further cements Nigeria’s reputation as a leading maritime hub on the African continent and underscores its growing influence in global maritime affairs.
As the world increasingly turns its attention to Africa’s blue economy, the WISTA Africa Regional Conference is expected to serve as a vital platform for charting a new course toward innovation, inclusiveness, and sustainable maritime development.
WISTA Nigeria is the Nigerian chapter of WISTA International, a global network of women professionals in the maritime, trading, logistics, and offshore industries. Since its establishment in 1994, the association has remained a powerful voice for diversity, leadership advancement, and professional development, while continuing to inspire greater participation of women across the maritime value chain.
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