A powerful surge of collaboration is redefining the relationship between Africa and the Caribbean, as a series of high-level conferences and summits are systematically unlocking new avenues for economic growth, cultural exchange, and shared prosperity. These initiatives underscore a strategic commitment to leveraging shared heritage and collective strength to navigate global uncertainties and build a more integrated future.
The Rise of ‘Global Africa’ and the Caribbean’s Integral Role
The concept of ‘Global Africa’ is gaining significant traction, envisioning African nations and their vast diaspora as a unified force on the world stage. This vision is reinforced by the African Union’s recognition of the diaspora as its “sixth region,” a designation that places vibrant communities in the Caribbean at the heart of the continent’s developmental agenda. This growing interconnectedness is not merely symbolic; it is a strategic imperative aimed at fostering mutual advancement.
AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF): A Catalyst for Economic Integration
The AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF) has emerged as a premier platform driving this collaboration. Its fourth edition, ACTIF2025, recently convened in St. George’s, Grenada, under the theme “Resilience and Transformation: Enhancing Africa-Caribbean Economic Cooperation in an Era of Global Uncertainty.” Hosted by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with the Government of Grenada and supported by key regional bodies like the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the African Union, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the forum has become instrumental in building robust trade, investment, and cultural ties.
ACTIF2025 alone saw the signing of transformative deals worth over US$290 million, spanning crucial sectors such as infrastructure, education, tourism, and trade. Discussions also advanced initiatives like the feasibility study for a regional Caribbean EXIM Bank and the establishment of a US$250 million Growth, Resilience, and Sustainability Fund (GRSF) to support climate adaptation and development. Afreximbank’s commitment, under the leadership of figures like Professor Benedict Oramah, has been pivotal in shifting this partnership from aspiration to tangible action. Previous editions have been held in Barbados (2022) and Guyana (2023), with the third co-hosted with Afreximbank’s Annual Meetings in The Bahamas (2024).
Africa-CARICOM Summits: Addressing Shared Legacies and Future Goals
Complementing the ACTIF series, the Africa-CARICOM Summits serve as high-level political dialogues aimed at reinforcing historic bonds and advancing cooperation. The second such summit, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in September 2025, was themed “Transcontinental Partnership in Pursuit of Reparatory Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations”. These summits bring together Heads of State and government officials to deliberate on shared interests, including reparatory justice, people-to-people relations, economic partnerships, health, education, and coordinated positions on global issues like climate change and the reform of international institutions.
The first virtual summit took place in 2021, hosted by Kenya, laying the groundwork for increased integration and cooperation. These dialogues acknowledge the profound legacies of colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade, seeking to transform past injustices into foundations for solidarity and mutual advancement.
Unlocking Trade and Investment Potential
The economic imperative for strengthening Africa-Caribbean ties is clear. Despite deep historical and cultural links, trade volumes have historically been lower than their potential. However, the expansion of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), now the world’s largest free-trade zone by membership, presents an unprecedented opportunity for Africa’s 1.4 billion consumers and the Caribbean’s 44 million-strong diaspora market. Analysts predict that Africa-Caribbean trade could reach US$1.8 billion annually by 2028.
Key sectors identified for enhanced cooperation include industrialization, infrastructure development, tourism, agriculture, financial services, and technology. Efforts are underway to address existing barriers, such as visa restrictions and inadequate air and sea connectivity, which currently hamper deeper trade and cultural exchanges. The development of a stronger private sector, with a focus on supporting SMEs, women, and youth entrepreneurs, is also a central theme.
Beyond Business: Cultural Exchange and Shared Identity
These burgeoning partnerships extend beyond purely economic considerations. The emphasis on shared heritage, cultural exchange, and people-to-people relations is vital in building a comprehensive and resilient connection. Initiatives like the Grow United Build Africa (GUBA) Awards and Trade and Investment Conference in Barbados aim to deepen cultural and economic ties, fostering a sense of renewed identity and collective destiny. This focus on cultural vibrancy and shared history contributes significantly to the overall lifestyle and well-being of the people across both regions, reinforcing a sense of belonging and shared future.
The ongoing momentum, marked by significant agreements, strategic dialogues, and a growing ‘Global Africa’ vision, positions the Caribbean and African continents for a future of unprecedented cooperation and shared prosperity. The news unfolding from these conferences signals a tangible shift towards turning historical connections into concrete economic and social opportunities.