The Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER) Women’s Forum has appointed Queen Nosipho Mthembu of Durban, South Africa, as its pioneer Deputy Chairperson.
The appointment, which takes immediate effect, was approved by the Board of Trustees of the BRACED Tourism Promotion and Development Initiative, sponsors of ABER.
The ABER Women’s Forum is the gender and youth platform of the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable, with a mandate to promote women’s and youth participation in Africa’s blue economy.
The ABER Board said “the appointment recognised Mthembu’s experience in royal diplomacy, policy leadership and Pan-African economic networks.”
It said her new role would support the Forum’s continental programmes and efforts to strengthen the participation of women and youth in ocean governance and the sustainable use of Africa’s marine and water resources.
The Board said “Mthembu would also help mobilise traditional institutions, promote indigenous knowledge and support the implementation of the Africa Blue Economy Strategy and African Union Agenda 2063.”
According to the board, she would facilitate stronger engagement with the African diaspora, including opportunities for investment, skills development and market access for coastal communities.
It said that her experience in logistics and blue economy initiatives would support women-led value chains and partnerships focused on sustainable ports and responsible marine resource management.
As Deputy Chairperson, Mthembu will support the Chairperson and act on her behalf when necessary.
She will also coordinate the Forum’s activities across the five African Union regions and the African diaspora, while supporting collaboration between country chapters and the ABER headquarters.
The Forum said her responsibilities would include member engagement, policy advocacy and coordination of responses to emerging challenges affecting women in the blue economy.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Chief Executive Officer of ABER, Dr Piriye Kiyaramo, welcomed the appointment, describing Mthembu’s experience and Pan-African networks as valuable to the Forum’s work.
“ABER warmly welcomes Her Royal Highness Queen Nosipho Mthembu to our continental platform,” Kiyaramo said.
He said the Forum looked forward to her contribution towards expanding women’s participation in ocean governance across Africa and the diaspora.
The ABER Women’s Forum promotes inclusive and sustainable ocean governance through advocacy, capacity building, enterprise development and strategic partnerships, with a focus on ensuring that women and youth benefit from Africa’s ocean and water resources
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