4th AfriCaribbean Forum Seeks Deeper Africa-Caribbean Economic Integration

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the Government of Grenada, convened the 4th AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2025) from July 28 to 29 in St. George’s, Grenada, under the theme: “Resilience and Transformation – Enhancing the Africa-Caribbean Economic Cooperation in an Era of Global Uncertainty.”

The gathering reaffirmed the historic ties and deep cultural bonds between Africa and the Caribbean, while focusing on strategies to transform structural challenges into economic opportunities across key sectors, namely: agriculture, tourism, energy, logistics, digital innovation, and the creative industries.

A communiqué issued after the Forum underscored the shared ancestry and enduring solidarity between the two regions, highlighting the commitment of Afreximbank and the Government of Grenada to advancing a self-reliant Global Africa, in alignment with the African Union’s recognition of the diaspora as the continent’s “sixth region” and a key driver of trade and development.

Building on the momentum of previous editions—Bridgetown, Barbados (2022), Georgetown, Guyana (2023), and Nassau, Bahamas (2024)—ACTIF2025 reaffirmed a joint determination to bolster intra-African and intra-Caribbean markets while expanding inter-regional trade. Delegates emphasized the urgent need to enhance market access, eliminate visa restrictions, and establish sustainable air and maritime transport corridors between the two regions.

Notably, participants endorsed the creation of an Africa–Caribbean Free Trade Arrangement aimed at dismantling trade barriers and harmonizing regulatory frameworks. There was a shared resolve to fast-track enabling policies, with a call for coordination among key institutions, including the African Union Commission, CARICOM Secretariat, AfCFTA Secretariat, and the private sector.

The Forum also featured the announcement of over US$300 million in trade and investment deals spanning infrastructure, manufacturing, digital services, tourism, and agribusiness. Delegates celebrated the growing contributions of SMEs and women- and youth-led enterprises, while recognizing the vital role of the AfriCaribbean Business Council (ACBC) in facilitating business linkages and addressing private sector bottlenecks.

A highpoint of ACTIF2025 was the endorsement of the Global Africa Commission, a landmark initiative championed by Grenada and other  Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)  member states aimed at deepening Africa-Caribbean relations. Delegates urged Heads of State to formally adopt the initiative at the forthcoming Africa-Caribbean Summit, scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa in September 2025.

Among other key outcomes was a renewed call for unified Africa-Caribbean advocacy on global platforms, particularly in advancing shared interests around climate justice, equitable trade, and global economic reforms. Delegates also proposed the commissioning of strategic studies to strengthen socio-economic and cultural linkages, including digital skills exchange programs and investments in cross-regional infrastructure.

In a nod to the power of youth and culture in diplomacy, the Forum endorsed the proposed launch of the Global Africa Athletics Championships as a platform for empowerment and cross-cultural exchange. Afreximbank was further commended for its ongoing support of the creative economy—including sectors such as music, fashion, literature, and visual arts—recognized as powerful drivers of identity, innovation, and economic growth.

The Forum concluded with an expression of deep gratitude to the people and Government of Grenada for their exceptional hospitality. Delegates also paid tribute to former African and Caribbean leaders, including Nigeria’s Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Jamaica’s Percival J. Patterson, for their longstanding leadership and advocacy in advancing Africa-Caribbean solidarity.

In recognition of their outstanding leadership at Afreximbank, outgoing President Prof. Benedict Oramah and incoming President Dr. George Elombi were applauded for their visionary direction and steadfast commitment to advancing Pan-African and AfriCaribbean integration. ACTIF2025 concluded with a strong reaffirmation by stakeholders of their continued support for the Forum and full commitment to the successful hosting of ACTIF2026 in Saint Kitts and Nevis as a premier platform to accelerate trade, investment, and cooperation under the shared vision of a united, resilient, and empowered Global Africa.