ABER Inaugurates Women’s Forum Bureau, Launches Two-Year Maritime Campaign
The Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER) has inaugurated the Executive Bureau of its Women’s Forum to advance women’s participation in Africa’s blue economy and maritime development.
The virtual inauguration was conducted by ABER Convener, Dr Piriye Kiyaramo, with Barr. Sophie De Sylvie Djoufa Tiemagni of Cameroon as Chairperson and Dr Chizoba Christiana Anyika of Nigeria as Secretary-General.
Kiyaramo described the inauguration as “the correction of a 500-year-old injustice,” announcing a two-year campaign focused on the IMO 2026–2027 theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence,” and the AU-endorsed Correct The Map Campaign.
He said the initiative would promote women’s certification as tour guides, boat safety operators and aquaculture entrepreneurs, while advocating their inclusion in maritime regulatory positions.
Kiyaramo cited FAO data highlighting women’s significant contribution to fisheries processing and post-harvest activities, despite limited representation in management and vessel ownership.
He also called for the domestication of IMO instruments in coastal communities and the promotion of the Equal Earth projection in schools and maritime academies.
Tiemagni said the forum would position African women as active drivers of a sustainable blue economy, ensuring their participation in policy formulation, decision-making and resource allocation.
She unveiled the proposed theme for ABER’s World Maritime Day Conference as “Correcting the Map, Powering Maritime Excellence: Women Driving Africa from Policy to Practice.”
The chairperson proposed the preparation of a concept note for the IMO campaign, its submission to the IMO Secretariat and the constitution of a drafting team.
She further proposed holding the conference on a Wednesday or Friday during World Maritime Day Week to avoid clashes with official national events.
Kiyaramo said the Women’s Forum would help position Africa at the centre of the global ocean economy through inclusive participation and practical action.
The Africa Blue Economy Roundtable is a flagship initiative of the BRACED Tourism Promotion and Development Initiative (BTPDI), focused on sustainable blue economy development, investment and inclus
ive growth.
