Africa, Caribbean to talk trade, boosting economies

African and Caribbean leaders are set for the annual meetings of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the third AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum, which are taking place jointly in Nassau, in The Bahamas, next month.

Afreximbank will be hosting its 31st annual meetings.

Among the attendees are Ghanaian president Nana Akufo-Addo, prime minister of The Bahamas Philip Davis, Barbados prime minister Mia Mottley and Guyana president Irfaan Ali.

There will also be numerous other African and Caribbean Community (Caricom) heads of state, government ministers and high-profile speakers, including central bank governors, chief executives, industry leaders, African and Caricom trade practitioners, trade finance experts, members of the academia, senior public figures, celebrities and more.

The three-day forum, taking place from 12 to 14 May, themed: ‘Owning our Destiny: Economic Prosperity on the Platform of Global Africa’, will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, plenaries and fireside-type conversations.

These will focus on discussing and determining solutions to the challenges that affect African and Caribbean economies, the policy issues required to promote growth, development and prosperity across Africa and the Caribbean, and how to accelerate intra-African trade and investment flows, including in the diaspora.

The upcoming conference will tackle important issues facing Africa and the Caribbean.

One topic is how these regions can overcome economic challenges, drawing lessons from past crises.

Another key discussion centres around a new free trade agreement, exploring how to make it beneficial for businesses on both continents.

Leaders from Africa and the Caribbean will also share their vision for closer cooperation, with a focus on social, political, and economic aspects.

The role of businesses and governments in driving Caribbean economic growth will be another point of discussion.

The conference isn’t all business though.

There will be a session on the transformative power of sport, featuring tennis legend Serena Williams.

Entrepreneurship and cultural exchange are also on the agenda.

Attendees will explore ways to create business partnerships between Africa and the Caribbean, and discuss how creativity and shared cultural heritage can boost trade.

The conference attracts important people from business, politics, banking and trade sectors, not just from Africa and the Caribbean, but from all over the world.

It’s considered one of the most significant gatherings for economic decision-makers in these regions.

*Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.