$300 Million in Deals Signed at AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum 2025.

Monday 11th August 2025

Par inAfrika Reporter

The Fourth AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2025) concluded with a notable achievement of over US $300 million in investment and trade agreements, alongside a strong communiqué affirming the commitment of African and Caribbean regions to deepen their collaboration. The event, held over two days in Grenada and co-hosted by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Government of Grenada, attracted more than 2,100 delegates from 80 countries. Among the attendees were 11 Heads of State and Government, government representatives, private sector leaders, and development partners, all united in advancing cross-regional cooperation.

During the forum, eight major deals and memoranda were signed, covering critical sectors such as infrastructure, tourism, digital transformation, and trade finance. Significant agreements included a USD 100 million Receivables Discounting Facility with Bahamas Striping Group of Companies Ltd aimed at supporting road and infrastructure projects. In the education sector, a USD 50 million Climate-Linked Facility was signed with the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis to fund construction and rehabilitation efforts. The tourism sector benefited from a USD 61.25 million Term Loan for the Homewood Suites by Hilton Barbados project. Additionally, a USD 40 million Receivables Facility was arranged for Cat Island Infrastructure Company Ltd in The Bahamas, while a USD 40 million commercial port development agreement was finalized between Gemini Integrated Commodities Trading Company Ltd and the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Further strengthening trade and finance flows, the forum saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Grenada Development Bank focused on SME development and trade promotion. Another strategic cooperation agreement was signed with the Caribbean Telecommunications Union to advance digital transformation in the region. Moreover, The Bank of The Bahamas Ltd was appointed as an Afreximbank Trade Finance Intermediary, enhancing the financial ecosystem for cross-border transactions.

Grenada’s Prime Minister, Hon. Dickon Mitchell, delivered a powerful closing statement emphasizing the importance of institutionalizing Africa-Caribbean cooperation. He called for deliberate creation of institutions that foster trade, investment, and financial relationships reflecting the interests of both regions. Prime Minister Mitchell further advocated for unrestricted people-to-people movement, questioning the continued necessity of visa restrictions, and highlighted biometrics as a tool for easing travel between the regions.

From a financial perspective, Dr. George Elombi, Executive Vice President of Afreximbank and incoming President, underscored the necessity of conviction in advancing the partnership. He stated that the next phase requires decisive action and belief in the vision of integrated trade and finance systems. Dr. Elombi emphasized that finance is central to trade and that integrating payment systems will help recognize the Caribbean as a unique opportunity, thereby driving further progress.

The official communiqué from ACTIF2025 welcomed the endorsement of the Global Africa Commission by Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and other OECS states. It called for the formal adoption of the Commission at the upcoming African Union-CARICOM Summit in Addis Ababa, scheduled for September. The Commission is expected to accelerate frameworks for trade, culture, and investment across the African diaspora and continent.

Participants committed to establishing a Free Trade Arrangement, removing visa restrictions, enhancing air and maritime connectivity, and expanding cooperation in digital technology, sports, and the creative economy. The communiqué recognized ACTIF2025 as a significant moment in forging resilient cross-regional value chains and confirmed the continuation of the forum platform with plans announced for ACTIF2026.

A highlight of the event was the celebration of Afreximbank President Prof. Benedict Oramah, who is concluding his term this year. His visionary leadership was honored with a symbolic tree-planting ceremony at Camerhogne Park in St. George’s, Grenada. The chosen tree, a Flamboyant native to Madagascar and widely found across the Caribbean and Africa, symbolizes vitality, peace, and growth, mirroring the enduring contributions Prof. Oramah has made toward strengthening Africa-Caribbean relations and building a united Global Africa.