The Chief Executive Officer and Convener of the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER), Piriye Kiyaramo, has declared that Africa’s maritime future is being shaped by women across the continent.
Speaking during the 2026 World Seafarers Day celebration in Douala, Cameroon, Kiyaramo described women as guardians of livelihoods, builders of knowledge, industry leaders and peacebuilders.
He noted that women perform over 60 percent of post-harvest fisheries activities across Africa, sustaining food security, family incomes and coastal economies.
“In Limbe Markets, women transform the day’s catch into nutrition, livelihoods and education. They are seafarers of the shoreline,” he said.
Kiyaramo, represented by the ABER Regional Facilitator for Central Africa, Capt. Young Patrice, urged broader recognition of women’s contributions to Africa’s blue economy.
He said the traditional definition of seafarers should extend beyond ships to include women working in fisheries, research, conservation, maritime governance and coastal development.
According to him, women now command vessels, manage ports, lead maritime institutions and champion environmental restoration in vulnerable coastal communities.
He said honouring women on World Seafarers Day was not merely symbolic but a strategic investment in Africa’s sustainable maritime future.
Kiyaramo said the ABER has continued to bridge the gaps in blue economy development through ocean education, women empowerment, mangrove restoration and blue justice initiatives.
He called for greater investment in blue jobs, inclusive education and policies that ensure coastal communities benefit from Africa’s marine resources.
Responding on behalf of the award recipients, Head of ABER Women Wing, Sophie De Sylvie Djoufa Tiemagni, described the recognition as a call to greater service.
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She urged African governments and stakeholders to ensure women and youths occupy central positions in the continent’s blue economy agenda.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the 2026 Africa Blue Economy Heroine Awards to 30 distinguished women from Africa’s five regions.
The recipients were recognised for outstanding contributions to maritime governance, fisheries, education, marine science, conservation, security and leadership
.
Sophie De Sylvie Djoufa Tiemagni emerged the headline awardee for her contributions to advancing women’s participation in Africa’s blue economy.
