Caribbean and African Leaders Convene in Grenada for ACTIF2025 Inaugural Reception

The AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2025), held in St. George’s, Grenada, from July 27-28, 2025, marked a significant stride towards strengthening economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean. The forum, inaugurated with a grand welcome cocktail reception, brought together a diverse assembly of government officials, private sector leaders, and distinguished delegates from both regions, fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and shared purpose. ACTIF2025 served as a pivotal platform for strategic discussions, trade negotiations, and investment matchmaking, all geared towards forging a new era of economic cooperation and mutual prosperity.

The opening ceremony highlighted the historical interconnectedness of Africa and the Caribbean, emphasizing the potential for a revitalized partnership to drive sustainable development and economic growth. Key speakers underscored the importance of ACTIF2025 as a catalyst for unlocking new opportunities and fostering innovation across both continents. The forum’s agenda focused on leveraging the strengths of each region to create a more resilient and interconnected global economy.

H.E. Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, delivered a compelling keynote address, commending the progress made in strengthening Africa-Caribbean relations. He reaffirmed Afreximbank’s unwavering commitment to supporting long-term, sustainable development initiatives that would benefit both regions. Professor Oramah’s address underscored the importance of financial institutions in facilitating trade and investment flows, highlighting Afreximbank’s role in bridging the gap between African and Caribbean markets.

Grenada’s Prime Minister, Hon. Dickon Mitchell, extended a warm welcome to the attendees, emphasizing the significance of hosting ACTIF2025 in Grenada. He positioned the forum as a crucial stepping stone towards building a brighter future for both regions, characterized by enhanced resilience, innovation, and shared prosperity. Prime Minister Mitchell’s remarks highlighted Grenada’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with Africa and its eagerness to play a leading role in facilitating economic cooperation.

Mohammed Asaria, Founder and Managing Director of Range Developments, brought a private sector perspective to the proceedings, stressing the critical role of private investment in driving economic transformation. He urged continued collaboration between entrepreneurs, financiers, and policymakers to create an enabling environment for investment and growth. Mr. Asaria’s contribution emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in unlocking the full potential of Africa-Caribbean economic cooperation.

ACTIF2025 generated significant anticipation and optimism for tangible outcomes, aiming to solidify a new model of South-South cooperation. The forum sought to establish concrete partnerships and agreements that would translate the shared vision of economic integration into actionable strategies. The diverse representation of stakeholders from both regions created a dynamic environment for exchanging ideas, exploring investment opportunities, and forging lasting connections.

The forum’s agenda encompassed a wide range of topics, including trade facilitation, investment promotion, infrastructure development, tourism, agriculture, and technology transfer. Workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions provided platforms for in-depth discussions and knowledge sharing among participants. The focus on specific sectors allowed for targeted discussions and the identification of concrete opportunities for collaboration. The forum aimed to create a roadmap for future cooperation, outlining specific actions and timelines for achieving shared goals. The emphasis on practical outcomes signaled a shift from rhetoric to action, demonstrating a commitment to translating discussions into tangible results. ACTIF2025 was positioned not as an isolated event but as a pivotal moment in a long-term journey towards deeper economic integration between Africa and the Caribbean.