By: Joy Enamuna

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) is set to host its second Annual Maritime Lecture (MAMAL) on November 21, 2024, in Lagos. The event will bring together key stakeholders from Nigeria and across the African continent.

The theme for this year’s lecture is “AfCFTA: Dismantling Trade Barriers and Navigating Regional Trade.” The focus will be on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and its pivotal role in enhancing regional trade, addressing trade barriers, and unlocking new economic opportunities within Africa.

MAMAL, a flagship event for Nigeria’s maritime and trade sectors, aims to encourage dialogue and provide a platform for industry experts, government officials, and professionals to discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by AfCFTA.

Oluyinka Onigbinde, Chairman of this year’s event, emphasized the lecture’s importance, stating, “As Africa moves towards full AfCFTA implementation, there is an urgent need to address the persistent trade barriers hindering the region’s economic integration. This lecture will delve into these issues and propose actionable solutions to strengthen intra-African trade, positioning Nigeria as a major player in this evolving landscape.”

The event will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers from the maritime, trade, and economic sectors, who will share insights on key topics such as the impact of AfCFTA on regional trade routes, port infrastructure development, regulatory harmonization, and the future of shipping in Africa.

MARAN invites maritime and trade professionals, stakeholders, and the public to join this crucial discussion. Further details, including the list of speakers, venue, and registration information, will be released in the coming weeks.