Africa-Caribbean Leaders Advance $2.1B Trade Partnership Prospects

Leaders from Africa and the Caribbean are actively pursuing stronger trade, investment, and cultural ties to reduce reliance on traditional partners and address global geopolitical and economic uncertainties. The Africa-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2025) provides a strategic platform for collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, health, education, and energy, aiming to spur industrial growth and create employment opportunities. Caribbean Prime Minister Gaston Browne advocated for purchasing petroleum products directly from Africa to leverage existing infrastructure and reduce dependency on non-African suppliers. The trade corridor between Africa and the Caribbean, currently valued at $729 million, is projected to grow to $2.1 billion within five years, driven by initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and CARICOM’s diversification efforts. CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett emphasized the importance of expanding trade beyond the current low levels amid rising protectionism and economic shocks impacting the Caribbean. Both regions view this partnership as a vital step toward sustainable development, economic resilience, and deeper people-to-people connections.