ABER women’s forum unveils new leadership
The Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER) has inaugurated the Executive Bureau of its Women’s Forum, marking a major push to strengthen women’s participation in Africa’s blue economy and maritime development.
The virtual inauguration was led by ABER Convener, Dr Piriye Kiyaramo, with Barr. Sophie De Sylvie Djoufa Tiemagni of Cameroon appointed Chairperson and Dr Chizoba Christiana Anyika of Nigeria named Secretary-General.
*ABER Convener, Dr Piriye Kiyaramo; Chairman, Sophie De Sylvie Djoufa Tiemagni (Cameroon); and Secretary-General, Dr Chizoba Christiana Anyika (Nigeria).
Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa
The Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER) has inaugurated the Executive Bureau of its Women’s Forum, marking a major push to strengthen women’s participation in Africa’s blue economy and maritime development.
The virtual inauguration was led by ABER Convener, Dr Piriye Kiyaramo, with Barr. Sophie De Sylvie Djoufa Tiemagni of Cameroon appointed Chairperson and Dr Chizoba Christiana Anyika of Nigeria named Secretary-General.
Describing the initiative as “the correction of a 500-year-old injustice”, Kiyaramo announced a two-year campaign aligned with the IMO 2026-2027 theme, From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence, alongside the African Union-endorsed Correct The Map Campaign.
He said the campaign would support women’s certification as tour guides, boat safety operators and aquaculture entrepreneurs, while advocating greater female representation in maritime regulatory roles.
Kiyaramo cited FAO data showing women play a crucial role in fisheries processing and post-harvest activities, despite remaining underrepresented in management positions and vessel ownership.
He also called for the domestication of IMO instruments in coastal communities and the adoption of the Equal Earth projection in schools and maritime academies.
Tiemagni said the forum would position African women as key drivers of a sustainable blue economy by ensuring their active involvement in policymaking, decision-making and resource allocation.
She unveiled the proposed theme for ABER’s World Maritime Day Conference: Correcting the Map, Powering Maritime Excellence: Women Driving Africa from Policy to Practice.
The chairperson proposed the development of a concept note for the IMO campaign, its submission to the IMO Secretariat, and the establishment of a drafting committee to coordinate the process.
She also recommended 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 place Africa at the heart of the global ocean economy through inclusive participation and practical action.
ABER is a flagship initiative of the BRACED Tourism Promotion and Development Initiative (BTPDI), dedicated to sustainable blue economy development, investment and inclusive growth.
