ABER Women’s Wing Hails Kiyaramo’s Visionary Leadership in Africa’s Blue Economy

ABER Women’s Wing Hails Kiyaramo’s Visionary Leadership in Africa’s Blue EconomyThe Women’s Wing of the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER) has hailed its Convener, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, for promoting inclusive leadership.The Head of the Women’s Wing, Barr. Sophie De Sylvie Djoufa Tiemagni, described Kiyaramo as a visionary leader driving Africa’s blue economy transformation.Djoufa Tiemagni, popularly known as “The Captain of the Blue Future”, made the commendation in a statement issued by the wing’s secretariat.The secretariat is located in Douala, Cameroon, ahead of the forthcoming ABER Women’s Forum.She said Kiyaramo represented a new generation of African leadership driven by action, inclusion, competence and measurable impact.“There are leaders who manage, and there are leaders who inspire, transform and unite. Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo unquestionably belongs to the latter category.“In many ways, he is the human embodiment of leadership,” she said.According to her, ABER, under Kiyaramo’s leadership, has prioritised competence and merit in appointing leaders across its various structures.She listed the appointment of regional leaders, an International Ambassador and the Head of the Women’s Wing among the initiatives.She also cited ABER’s recognition of outstanding women through awards as evidence of the organisation’s commitment to inclusive leadership.“Through these appointments, he has demonstrated that inclusion is not a slogan but a fundamental value at the heart of his vision.“He has made inclusion, merit and excellence the pillars of his leadership,” she said.Djoufa Tiemagni said the approach had enabled ABER to build a united community of stakeholders committed to advancing Africa’s blue economy.She said the stakeholders shared a common ambition of making the blue economy a powerful engine for Africa’s sustainable development.The tribute followed the 3rd Africa Blue Economy Week, held in Luanda, Angola, from July 22 to 25.The event focused on transforming blue economy strategies into tangible results capable of improving the lives of Africans.“Since its establishment, ABER has worked tirelessly to build partnerships, promote African talent, strengthen women’s leadership and accelerate high-impact initiatives,” she said.She urged stakeholders to move beyond policy strategies and translate blue economy plans into concrete economic and social outcomes.“The time has come to move from strategy to action and make the blue economy a strategic driver of economic transformation, sovereignty, job creation and innovation.“It must also contribute to Africa’s emergence,” she said.Djoufa Tiemagni said sustainable transformation could not be achieved without vision, inclusion and decisive action.She expressed optimism that Africa could collectively unlock the vast opportunities within its ocean and water resources.“Today, that vision has become a reality. Yes, ‘together we can’, and we believe it wholeheartedly.“Together, we can. Together, we will. The future of Africa’s blue economy is bright,” she said.ABER, convened by Kiyaramo, is a pan-African platform promoting policy dialogue, investment and partnerships for sustainable development of Africa’s ocean and water resources.The platform seeks to position the blue economy as a driver of job creation, food security, climate resilience and inclusive economic growth.The Women’s Wing is committed to strengthening women’s leadership, participation and impact across maritime governance and other blue economy sectors.These include fisheries, aquaculture, shipping and related ocean-based industries.