Lagos Set to Host the 8th WISTA Africa Regional Conference

…As Global Maritime Leaders Converge on Nigeria

BY FUNMI ALUKO

Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association Nigeria (WISTA Nigeria) has announced it will host the 8th WISTA Africa Regional Conference on 25th and 26th June 2026 at the prestigious Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The highly anticipated conference, organised under the umbrella of WISTA International, will bring together an influential gathering of maritime leaders, policymakers, regulators, investors, energy experts, legal practitioners, logistics professionals, and business executives from across Africa and around the world for two days of strategic dialogue, networking, and collaboration.

The President of WISTA Nigeria, Dr. Odunayo Ani who disclosed above in a statement, explained that this year’s conference comes at a defining moment for Africa’s maritime and blue economy sectors, as industry stakeholders navigate evolving global conversations around energy transition, sustainability, trade competitiveness, digital transformation, taxation; and inclusive economic growth.

For WISTA Nigeria, the hosting carries historic significance as the association celebrates thirty-two years of impact and leadership, having been established as the first National WISTA Association in Africa. Over the years, WISTA Nigeria has played a pivotal role in advancing professional excellence, gender inclusion, leadership development, and industry advocacy within the maritime ecosystem.

Speaking on the upcoming conference, the President of WISTA Nigeria, Dr. Odunayo Ani described the event as a major platform for shaping conversations that will influence the future of Africa’s maritime and blue economy sectors.

According to her: “The 8th WISTA Africa Regional Conference represents more than a gathering of industry professionals; it is a platform for ideas, partnerships, innovation, and action. As Africa continues to strengthen its position within global trade and maritime development, this conference will spotlight emerging opportunities, encourage regional collaboration, and reinforce Nigeria’s strategic importance within the global maritime value chain.”

She further noted that the conference will feature notable speakers and distinguished personalities from across the maritime, energy, logistics, finance, legal, and public sectors, providing participants with valuable insights into some of the most pressing issues shaping the industry today.

Conference sessions will focus on a broad range of critical themes including: Africa Blue Economy, Energy Transition and Sustainability, Maritime Trade and Investment Opportunities, Taxation, Innovation and Digital Transformation, Leadership, Diversity, and Inclusion, Shipping, Logistics, and Supply Chain Resilience

With participation expected from several countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas, the conference is poised to strengthen international cooperation while creating new pathways for investment, partnerships, and sustainable growth within the maritime sector.

Beyond the conference sessions, attendees will also benefit from high-level networking engagements, business interactions, and collaborative opportunities aimed at fostering stronger regional and global connections within the industry.

As Nigeria continues to position itself as a strategic maritime hub in Africa, hosting the 8th WISTA Africa Regional Conference further underscores the country’s growing relevance in global maritime discourse and its commitment to promoting inclusion, innovation, and sustainable development across the sector.

Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association Nigeria is the Nigerian chapter of WISTA International, an international network of female professionals in the maritime, trading, logistics, and offshore industries. Founded in 1994, WISTA Nigeria is the first National WISTA Association in Africa and remains a leading advocate for diversity, leadership, and professional development within the maritime industry.