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, with a resounding call for unity and collaboration between the two regions. Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, delivered a powerful keynote address, setting the tone for the summit by emphasizing the inherent connection between Africa and the Caribbean, describing Africa as the Caribbean’s “mother.” He stressed that the summit was not merely a gathering but a declaration of intent to forge a new era of shared progress through investment, innovation, and a renewed sense of kinship. Dr. Drew’s address served as a catalyst for the summit’s ambitious agenda of fostering stronger economic and cultural ties.

Prime Minister Drew highlighted St. Kitts and Nevis’s ongoing transformational initiatives as a model for potential collaborations. He showcased the twin-island Federation’s significant investment in geothermal energy, portraying it as a viable solution not only for St. Kitts and Nevis but also for other small island developing states and African nations with similar geothermal potential. This emphasis on renewable energy underscored the summit’s focus on sustainable development and addressing the shared challenges posed by climate change. He also outlined the nation’s efforts in sustainable agriculture and financial reform, positioning these initiatives as examples of the kind of forward-thinking development that can drive economic growth and resilience. Furthermore, he discussed the reimagined Citizenship by Investment program, signaling the country’s commitment to attracting foreign investment while contributing to national development.

Beyond economic strategies, Prime Minister Drew emphasized the importance of shared cultural linkages. He advocated for greater collaboration between the Caribbean’s vibrant creative industries and Africa’s burgeoning cultural scene, recognizing the potential for mutual enrichment and the power of cultural exchange to strengthen ties between the two regions. He urged participants to move beyond merely seeking capital and to actively participate in designing, controlling, and directing investments towards areas that can generate the most transformative impact. This call for proactive engagement reflects the summit’s overarching goal of fostering self-sufficiency and empowering both regions to shape their own economic destinies.

The opening day also featured contributions from other prominent figures. Former President of the Republic of Mauritius, Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, and other high-level officials from both Africa and the Caribbean lent their voices to the discussion, further solidifying the summit’s commitment to high-level collaboration. Ms. Sanya Alleyne, representing the St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce, participated in a panel discussion exploring investment opportunities and enabling factors. She highlighted the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships in trade, tourism, and entrepreneurship, particularly in emerging sectors and through diaspora engagement, further enriching the dialogue on practical avenues for cooperation.

Hon. Mark Brantley, another representative from St. Kitts and Nevis, provided an update on the St. Kitts and Nevis Island Climate Enhancement Project (SKNICE). His presentation underscored the Federation’s leadership in renewable energy, specifically its geothermal initiatives, and emphasized the role these developments can play in achieving climate resilience and energy independence within the region. This presentation reinforced the summit’s focus on sustainable solutions and highlighted the potential for shared learning and technological exchange between Africa and the Caribbean.

The AACIS 2025 summit’s opening day successfully laid the foundation for a deeper and more impactful partnership between Africa and the Caribbean. The focus on shared opportunities, challenges, and solutions, particularly in areas like renewable energy, sustainable development, and cultural exchange, promises a future of strengthened ties and mutual prosperity. The summit continues over the following two days, with a comprehensive agenda featuring high-level presentations and panel discussions delving into critical areas of mutual interest. The momentum generated on the first day suggests a strong commitment to translating the summit’s vision into tangible actions that will benefit both regions for years to come.