ABER-to-Honor-Outstanding-Women-in-Maritime-on-2026-World-Seafarers-Day...-Recognition-Drive-Links-Gender-Inclusion-to-Stronger-Coastal-Livelihoods-Across-Africa

ABER to Honor Outstanding Women in Maritime on 2026 World Seafarers Day

... Recognition Drive Links Gender Inclusion to Stronger Coastal Livelihoods Across Africa

Wisdom Tide News | June 18, 2026

Abuja, Nigeria – The Africa Blue Economy Roundtable, convened by Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, will recognize outstanding women across Africa’s maritime sector as part of global activities marking World Seafarers Day 2026, officially known as the Day of the Seafarer.

World Seafarers Day is observed annually on 25 June by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to honour the world’s 1.5+ million seafarers who sustain international shipping, global trade, and the supply chains behind our everyday lives.

The 2026 Campaign theme is: “Carrying World Trade. Carrying the Risks”. This year’s IMO theme spotlights the hardships, intense pressure, and safety risks seafarers face at sea, especially in high-risk and conflict-affected maritime zones. It reminds the world that behind every container and every shipment are people carrying both trade and risk.

"Women remain the Unseen Engine of Africa’s Blue Economy. While seafaring remains male-dominated, women are the backbone of Africa’s broader blue economy and coastal livelihoods. Across the continent, women dominate key segments: Over 50% of fish processors, traders, and post-harvest handlers in Africa are women.

Their work reduces waste, adds value, and puts food and income on the table for millions of coastal households.

"African women are increasingly leading in port operations, logistics, customs, marine survey, and maritime law; sectors critical to trade efficiency and revenue generation. Female researchers and environmental managers are driving ocean science, mangrove restoration, and climate adaptation projects that protect the very ecosystems coastal communities depend on.

From boat-building to cold-chain services, eco-tourism to seaweed farming, women-led enterprises are creating jobs and resilience in coastal towns from Senegal to Tanzania.

Investing in women’s participation directly enhances coastal livelihoods. When women have access to training, finance, safety standards, and leadership roles, household incomes rise, child nutrition improves, and coastal communities become more resilient to climate shocks and economic volatility.

“Let us recognize outstanding women in Africa’s maritime sector for their resilience and courage to weather every storm at sea. They have proven that gender is never a limitation, only a launchpad for excellence,” said Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, Convener, Africa Blue Economy Roundtable.

“This year’s theme, ‘Carrying World Trade. Carrying the Risks,’ must include the story of African women. They carry trade through processing and trade. They carry risk through unsafe landing sites and climate impacts. They also carry solutions through innovation and community leadership. When we lift women in the blue economy, we lift entire coastal communities. Stronger women in maritime means stronger food security, more jobs, and more resilient coastlines across Africa.”

The Roundtable invites nominations of African women demonstrating excellence in: shipping & seafaring, ports & logistics, fisheries & aquaculture, marine science & conservation, maritime safety & security, and maritime policy & law.

Selected honorees will receive recognition and media visibility to amplify their work and inspire the next generation. To nominate: Send full name, role/organization, country, and a 100-word citation of impact to the Head, Women's Wing of the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable, Dr. Sophie De Sylvie through email: sophiedjoufa@yahoo.fr

By celebrating these women, the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable reaffirms that gender inclusion is not just equity, it is economic strategy for Africa’s blue future.