Prime Minister Drew Addresses Afreximbank’s 32nd Annual Meeting in Abuja.

The 32nd Annual Meetings of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) commenced in Abuja, Nigeria, with a resounding call for strengthened collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean. Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrance M. Drew, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the need for deeper integration between the two regions, built on strategic partnerships, mutual investment, and a shared aspiration for global economic empowerment. His presence as a high-level guest of the Bank underscored the significance of the occasion and the growing ties between Africa and the Caribbean. Addressing a distinguished audience of heads of state, government officials, private sector leaders, and regional development partners, Prime Minister Drew commended Afreximbank’s transformative role in fostering trade, finance, and people-to-people connections, building bridges that extend beyond physical infrastructure.

Dr. Drew’s address highlighted the historical connections between Africa and the Caribbean, advocating for the transformation of these historical bonds into tangible systems and institutions. He framed resilience as a cornerstone of the shared history of the two regions, but emphasized that reinvention is now the key to future progress. Moving beyond symbolic gestures, he called for the establishment of concrete systems and the recalibration of existing cooperation mechanisms to actively shape a shared future. This future, he argued, must be built on active collaboration and purposeful engagement, reflecting not just the shared past, but also the potential for joint prosperity.

The Prime Minister lauded Afreximbank, under the leadership of President Professor Benedict Oramah, for its proactive role in bridging the gap between Africa and the Caribbean. He specifically cited the Caribbean-Africa Trade and Investment Programme (CATIP), a landmark initiative backed by a $1.5 billion commitment, as a testament to the Bank’s commitment. The establishment of a regional office in Barbados and the annual AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF), which has already facilitated over US $6 billion in deals, further solidified Afreximbank’s role as a catalyst for regional development and integration. These initiatives, Dr. Drew asserted, demonstrate a clear understanding of the potential for mutual benefit and a courageous commitment to realizing that potential.

St. Kitts and Nevis’s early adoption of Afreximbank’s vision was underscored by Dr. Drew’s acknowledgement of the country’s status as the first in the Caribbean to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bank. He highlighted the profound impact of this decision, not just for St. Kitts and Nevis, but for the entire CARICOM region. This forward-thinking approach, he argued, has proven to be a pivotal step towards strengthening regional ties and creating new avenues for economic growth and development. The Prime Minister’s words emphasized the importance of proactive engagement and visionary leadership in shaping a brighter future for the Caribbean.

Dr. Drew presented a compelling vision of Africa and the Caribbean as a unified economic and cultural bloc possessing immense untapped potential. He articulated the Caribbean’s desire for partnership, access, respect, and a prominent role in shaping the global economic landscape. In return, he emphasized the Caribbean’s unique strengths: creativity, resilience, market potential, and strategic geographical location. This reciprocal approach, he argued, would create a powerful synergy, leveraging the distinct advantages of both regions to achieve shared prosperity. His message highlighted the importance of mutual respect and equitable partnership in building a sustainable and mutually beneficial relationship.

In closing, Prime Minister Drew reaffirmed St. Kitts and Nevis’s commitment to its Sustainable Island State Agenda, focusing on key priorities such as green innovation, energy transition, healthcare modernization, and food security. He positioned institutions like Afreximbank as indispensable partners in realizing this ambitious agenda and building a new paradigm for development. This partnership, he argued, is crucial for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth, ensuring that the benefits of economic progress are shared equitably and contribute to the long-term well-being of the people of both regions. The Prime Minister’s address served as a powerful call to action, urging greater collaboration and a shared commitment to building a more prosperous and interconnected future for Africa and the Caribbean.