Prime Minister Drew Launches AACIS 2025, Highlighting Afro-Caribbean Investment Opportunities

The Aquarian Consult Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit (AACIS 2025), themed “Bridging Continents: Africa and the Caribbean – A Partnership for Prosperity,” commenced in Abuja, Nigeria, on March 25, 2025, marking a significant step towards strengthening ties and fostering collaboration between the two regions. The summit’s opening day featured addresses from prominent figures, including the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, former President of Mauritius, Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, and other high-ranking officials from both continents. The event aimed to explore avenues for investment, innovation, and sustainable development, emphasizing the shared history and cultural connections between Africa and the Caribbean.

Prime Minister Drew’s keynote address served as the centerpiece of the opening day. He passionately advocated for a renewed sense of unity and purpose, framing the relationship between Africa and the Caribbean not as a distant connection, but as a familial bond. His words resonated with the summit’s core objective – to foster closer ties and unlock mutual opportunities. He highlighted the importance of the summit as a declaration of intent for collaboration and a return to shared roots with a clear vision for the future. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for moving beyond mere discussions and towards concrete action in building a prosperous future together.

Using St. Kitts and Nevis as a case study, Prime Minister Drew showcased the twin-island Federation’s transformational journey towards sustainable development. He highlighted ongoing initiatives in geothermal energy, sustainable agriculture, financial reform, and a revamped Citizenship by Investment program. The geothermal project, in particular, was presented as a model for other small island developing states and African nations with similar geophysical characteristics, emphasizing the potential for replicating successful sustainable energy solutions across regions. He underscored the importance of not just seeking capital, but also designing, controlling, and directing it for maximum impact, promoting self-sufficiency and ownership in development initiatives.

Beyond economic collaboration, Prime Minister Drew also emphasized the importance of shared culture and its potential to drive prosperity. He called for increased collaboration between the Caribbean’s creative sectors and Africa’s burgeoning cultural industries, recognizing the power of cultural exchange in fostering understanding and stimulating economic growth. This call for cultural collaboration underscored the holistic approach to development advocated by the summit, highlighting the interconnectedness of economic and cultural progress. The Prime Minister’s address set the tone for the summit, emphasizing the transformative potential of a strengthened Afri-Caribbean partnership.

Following the Prime Minister’s address, Ms. Sanya Alleyne, representing the St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce, participated in a panel discussion focusing on investment opportunities and enabling factors within the Afri-Caribbean context. She highlighted the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships in trade, tourism, and entrepreneurship, particularly in emerging sectors and through diaspora engagement. Ms. Alleyne’s contribution emphasized the practical aspects of collaboration, showcasing the existing potential for synergistic growth in specific sectors.

Hon. Mark Brantley further energized the summit with a presentation on the St. Kitts and Nevis Island Climate Enhancement Project (SKNICE). He showcased the Federation’s leadership in renewable energy, especially its geothermal initiatives, and their role in promoting climate resilience and energy independence in the region. This presentation reinforced the summit’s focus on sustainable development and highlighted concrete examples of how Caribbean nations are taking the lead in addressing critical global challenges. Mr. Brantley’s update served as a testament to the practical application of innovative solutions for climate resilience and energy independence.

The AACIS 2025 summit, with its focus on bridging continents through partnership and prosperity, marks a crucial step in strengthening the bond between Africa and the Caribbean. The opening day’s proceedings laid a strong foundation for the remaining two days, setting the stage for in-depth discussions and concrete action plans in various sectors of mutual interest. The summit aims to translate the shared vision of prosperity into tangible outcomes through strategic partnerships, investment opportunities, and collaborative initiatives. The commitment to fostering a deeper and more impactful relationship between Africa and the Caribbean, as demonstrated by the presentations and discussions, signifies a promising future for both regions.