Afreximbank Announces 2025 AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum to Boost Economic Cooperation

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the Government of Grenada, has announced the fourth edition of the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2025). Scheduled for 28–29 July 2025 in St. George’s, Grenada, the forum will be held under the theme: “Resilience and Transformation: Enhancing Africa-Caribbean Economic Cooperation in an Era of Global Uncertainty.”

ACTIF2025 aims to strengthen trade, investment, and cultural ties between Africa and the Caribbean, building on the success of previous forums. According to the International Trade Centre (ITC), AfriCaribbean trade has the potential to reach US$1.8 billion by 2028, driven by strategic investments in sectors such as minerals, processed foods, and transportation.

Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell, emphasized the importance of unity and economic collaboration:

“ACTIF is a call for unity, enterprise, and a reimagined global role for our people. This forum brings our shared vision for African-Caribbean solidarity to life through economic transformation, trade expansion, and investment cooperation.“

Afreximbank President Benedict Oramah underscored the urgency of deepening economic ties between the regions:

“In today’s turbulent global economy, Africa and the Caribbean must strengthen their ties. Despite historical and cultural links, we trade less than 1 percent of our exports with each other – a clear sign of untapped potential. ACTIF was created to change that narrative.”

He also highlighted the recent groundbreaking of the Afreximbank African Trade Centre (AATC) in Bridgetown, Barbados, describing it as “a gateway for Africa-Caribbean trade and investment,” offering opportunities for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.

ACTIF2025 is expected to attract approximately 1,000 delegates, including Heads of State, government officials, private sector leaders, investors, and diaspora entrepreneurs. Participants will explore business opportunities, gain insights into cross-regional trade, and contribute to building a resilient AfriCaribbean trade corridor.

The event will focus on key sectors including agribusiness, energy, infrastructure, logistics, creative industries, tourism, health, manufacturing, and financial services. Programming will include B2B and B2G meetings, policy dialogues, investment showcases, panel discussions, exhibitions, and networking sessions.

ACTIF2024, hosted by The Bahamas, resulted in over 15 agreements totaling more than US$4 billion. ACTIF2025 seeks to build on this momentum, advancing actionable outcomes and deeper regional collaboration.

Stakeholders across the public and private sectors – including SMEs, multilateral institutions, and investors – are encouraged to participate and help shape the future of AfriCaribbean economic relations.