Lagos to host global maritime leaders as WISTA Africa Conference returns to Nigeria
By Maureen Aguta
Lagos is set to become the focal point of Africa’s maritime industry as the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria prepares to host the 8th WISTA Africa Regional Conference from June 25 to 26, 2026, at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island.
The high-profile gathering, organised under the auspices of WISTA International, is expected to attract an influential mix of maritime executives, policymakers, regulators, investors, energy experts, legal professionals, logistics stakeholders, and business leaders from across Africa and beyond.
The conference comes at a critical period for Africa’s maritime and blue economy sectors as governments and industry players grapple with the realities of energy transition, sustainability, digital transformation, trade competitiveness, taxation, and inclusive economic development.
For WISTA Nigeria, hosting the event carries special significance. Established in 1994 as the first National WISTA Association in Africa, the organisation is marking 32 years of promoting professional excellence, gender inclusion, leadership development, and advocacy within the maritime sector.
Speaking ahead of the conference, President of WISTA Nigeria, Dr. Odunayo Ani, described the event as a strategic platform for shaping the future of Africa’s maritime and blue economy landscape.
“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 said.
According to Ani, the conference will feature an impressive lineup of speakers and industry leaders drawn from the maritime, energy, finance, logistics, legal, and public sectors, providing participants with insights into key issues driving the industry’s evolution.
Discussions will focus on critical areas including the blue economy, energy transition and sustainability, maritime trade and investment opportunities, taxation, innovation and digital transformation, leadership, diversity and inclusion, as well as shipping, logistics, and supply chain resilience.
With delegates expected from Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas, the conference is expected to strengthen international partnerships, stimulate investment opportunities, and foster sustainable growth across the maritime value chain.
Beyond the conference sessions, participants will engage in high-level networking events and business-to-business interactions designed to deepen collaboration and unlock new opportunities within the global maritime ecosystem.
Industry observers say the hosting of the conference further reinforces Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime hub in Africa and highlights the country’s growing influence in global maritime discussions.
WISTA Nigeria is the Nigerian chapter of WISTA International, a global network of female professionals working across the maritime, trading, logistics, and offshore sectors. Since its establishment, the association has remained at the forefront of promoting diversity, leadership, and professional development within the industry.