The Head of the Women’s Wing of Africa Blue Economy Roundtable – ABER, Barr. Sophie De Sylvie Djoufa Tiemagni, popularly known as ‘The Captain of the Blue Future’, has paid glowing tribute to Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, Convener and Chief Executive Officer of ABER, describing him as a visionary leader shaping the future of Africa’s Blue Economy.
In a statement issued from the ABER Women’s Wing Secretariat, Duoula – Cameroon, Barr. Djoufa Tiemagni said Dr. Kiyaramo embodies a new generation of leadership focused on action, inclusion, and impact.
“There are leaders who manage, and there are leaders who inspire, transform, and unite. Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo unquestionably belongs to the latter category. In many ways, he is the human embodiment of leadership,” she stated.
Barr. Djoufa Tiemagni noted that under Dr. Kiyaramo’s leadership, ABER has prioritized competence over connections in its appointments of regional leaders, an International Ambassador, the Head of the Women’s Wing, and in recognizing outstanding women through prestigious awards.
“Through these appointments, he has demonstrated that inclusion is not a slogan but a fundamental value at the heart of his vision. He has made inclusion, merit, and excellence the pillars of his leadership,” she said.
She added that this approach, guided by competence, commitment, and contribution to the blue economy, has enabled ABER to build a united community of stakeholders with a shared ambition: to make the blue economy a powerful engine for Africa’s development.
The tribute comes on the heels of the 3rd Africa Blue Economy Week, held in Luanda, Angola from 22 to 25 July 2026, where the central theme was transforming strategies into tangible results for African people.
“Since its establishment, ABER has worked tirelessly to build partnerships, promote African talent, strengthen women’s leadership, and accelerate the implementation of high-impact initiatives,” Barr. Djoufa Tiemagni said. “The time has come to move from strategy to action and make the blue economy a strategic driver of economic transformation, sovereignty, job creation, innovation, and Africa’s emergence.”
Concluding her tribute, Barr. Djoufa Tiemagni said Dr. Kiyaramo’s leadership reminds Africa that no sustainable transformation can be achieved without vision, inclusion, and action.
“Today, that vision has become a reality. Yes, ‘together we can’. And we believe it wholeheartedly. Together, we can. Together, we will. The future of Africa’s Blue Economy is bright.”
The Africa Blue Economy Roundtable – ABER, convened by Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, is a pan-African platform dedicated to advancing policy dialogue, investment, and partnerships for the sustainable development of Africa’s ocean and water resources. ABER works to position the blue economy as a key driver of jobs, food security, climate resilience, and inclusive growth across the continent.
The Women’s Wing of ABER is committed to amplifying women’s leadership, participation, and impact in maritime governance, fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, and all blue economy sectors.