The Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER) has appointed Dr. Chizoba Christiana Anyika as Secretary-General of its Women’s Forum.
The appointment, effective immediately, was announced by ABER, convened by the BRACED Tourism Promotion and Development Initiative (BTPDI).
Anyika is Deputy Director at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), where she heads the Maritime Guard Command – Administration in Lagos.
The appointment recognizes her expertise in blue economy, maritime administration, transport and logistics, coastal tourism and sustainability.
According to ABER, the appointment aligns with its mandate to advance the Africa Blue Economy Strategy (ABES) and Agenda 2063.
In her new role, Anyika will provide strategic leadership to the ABER Women’s Forum across Africa and the African Diaspora, Africa’s sixth region.
She will also lead policy engagement, advocacy and partnerships aimed at increasing women’s participation in fisheries, aquaculture, coastal tourism and shipping.
Other areas include marine energy, ocean conservation, logistics and other sectors critical to Africa’s blue economy.
Anyika is expected to lead and expand ABER’s flagship initiatives while mobilising expertise and networks across the maritime, energy, logistics and tourism sectors.
She will also support strategy development and reporting in collaboration with the ABER Regional Council.
Speaking on the appointment in Yenagoa, ABER Convener and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, described Anyika as well suited for the role.
“Dr. Anyika brings the perfect blend of policy, operations and advocacy,” Kiyaramo said.
He said her background in maritime and blue economy, coastal tourism and leadership strategy positioned her to lead the forum.
Kiyaramo said her appointment came at a critical time for Africa’s ocean economy and efforts to promote inclusive development.
ABER congratulated Anyika and welcomed her to the leadership of the Roundtable.
The ABER Women’s Forum is the gender-focused arm of the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable.
It seeks to amplify women’s voices, enterprises and leadership while promoting greater participation in Africa’s blue economy.
The forum also aims to unlock financing, build capacity and influence policies that promote inclusive and sustainable blue economy development.
ABER is a continental platform convened by BTPDI to promote implementation of the Africa Blue Economy Strategy.
It brings together governments, the private sector, academia and civil society to advance investment, innovation and partnerships under Agenda 2063.