On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026, Princess Chi Ezeh, Vice President (Seaports) of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) and National Matron of the NAGAFF Women’s Wing, has called on Nigerian women to actively position themselves to leverage the opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), especially in freight forwarding and logistics.
In a statement marking the global celebration, Princess Ezeh highlighted that AfCFTA is ushering in a new era of intra-African trade, creating substantial prospects for women entrepreneurs and professionals in maritime logistics, freight forwarding, and cross-border commerce.
She urged women to equip themselves with the skills, knowledge, and innovative approaches needed to participate fully in Africa’s growing trade ecosystem. “International Women’s Day is not only a time to celebrate the achievements of women but also an opportunity to encourage greater participation in emerging economic opportunities. AfCFTA offers a transformative platform for African trade, and women must not remain on the sidelines,” she said.
Princess Ezeh further emphasized the crucial role freight forwarding will play in the success of AfCFTA. She called for increased professional training, capacity building, and industry exposure for women, to ensure they thrive in the sector.
She also applauded the rising number of women already making significant contributions across the maritime value chain and encouraged industry stakeholders to continue promoting initiatives that enhance gender inclusion and professional growth.
Reaffirming her commitment as Matron of the NAGAFF Women’s Wing, Princess Ezeh pledged to strengthen mentorship, training programs, and advocacy efforts to prepare women for the opportunities emerging under AfCFTA. She encouraged young women to remain focused and confident in pursuing careers in maritime, logistics, and international trade, describing the sector as a strategic gateway to economic empowerment and continental commerce.
