The Fourth AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2025), co-hosted by Afreximbank and the Government of Grenada, ended with a renewed pledge to deepen Africa–Caribbean economic and institutional ties. Held over two days in Grenada, the event attracted more than 2,100 delegates from 80 countries, including 11 Heads of State and Government, senior officials, private sector leaders, and development partners. The gathering focused on building stronger trade relationships, expanding investment flows, and reinforcing cultural and institutional cooperation between the two regions.
The forum delivered over $300 million in signed agreements and memoranda, spanning infrastructure, tourism, education, and digital transformation. Notable transactions included a $100 million receivables facility with Bahamas Striping Group of Companies for road and infrastructure works, a $50 million climate-linked education facility for Saint Kitts and Nevis, and a $61.25 million term loan for the Homewood Suites by Hilton Barbados. Other commitments featured a $40 million receivables facility for Cat Island Infrastructure in The Bahamas, a $40 million commercial port development in Saint Kitts and Nevis, and formal cooperation agreements to promote SME growth and advance digital transformation in partnership with the Caribbean Telecommunications Union.
The investments and commitments made at ACTIF2025 are expected to strengthen trade and financing channels between Africa and the Caribbean, accelerate cross-regional projects in infrastructure, tourism, education, and digital services, and advance the institutionalisation of the Global Africa Commission, with formal adoption anticipated at the AU–CARICOM Summit in September. The forum also laid the groundwork for a future Free Trade Arrangement, the removal of visa restrictions, improved air and maritime connectivity, and expanded cooperation in sports, culture, and the creative economy. ACTIF2025 is seen as a pivotal step toward building resilient Africa–Caribbean value chains, with momentum set to continue at ACTIF2026.
