IBIA supported a successful WISTA Africa Conference

The recent WISTA Africa Conference, held in Cape Town from July 22 to 24, was a resounding success, bringing together industry professionals, thought leaders, and policymakers from across the continent. The event focused on the theme “Empowering Women in Maritime: Navigating the Future.”

IBIA is a proud supporter of WISTA, and Tahra Sergeant, IBIA’s Regional Manager (Africa) and Global Head of Events, raised the IBIA flag high as Programme Director.

The conference featured an impressive lineup of influential speakers, including, Ambassador Nancy Karigithu, Kenya’s Special Envoy for Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Lulama Mtembu, COO of SAMSA, Debbie Owen, Programme Head at Lawhill Maritime School, Jemilat Mahamah, WISTA International Secretary General, Elpi Petraki, President of WISTA International, Adv Amsha Gengan, WISTA SA President, Dr. Natalie Scheepers, Board Member of SAMSA and Captain Nick Sloane.

Keynote sessions addressed pressing issues such as the impact of digitalisation on maritime operations, sustainable shipping practices, and the importance of mentorship and training programmes for women in the industry. Panel discussions provided a platform for sharing best practices and success stories, emphasising the need for collaborative efforts to break down barriers and create more opportunities for women in maritime careers.

The event also included an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding contributions to the maritime industry by women leaders. These awards celebrated achievements in various categories, including leadership, innovation, and community impact, inspiring attendees to strive for excellence in their respective fields.

A special thank you goes to Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the IMO, for his warm welcome video message, which set a positive tone for the conference.

The WISTA Africa Conference in Cape Town was a testament to the power of collaboration and the shared commitment to empowering women in maritime. As the conference concluded, participants left with renewed enthusiasm and a collective determination to continue working towards a more inclusive and equitable future for the industry.