Prime Minister Drew Leads Saint Kitts and Nevis Delegation to ACTIF2025 in Grenada

The fourth edition of the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2025), held in St. George’s, Grenada, from July 28th to 29th, 2025, under the theme “Resilience and Transformation: Enhancing Africa-Caribbean Economic Cooperation in an Era of Global Uncertainty,” marked a significant step towards strengthening economic and cultural ties between the two regions. This forum, convened by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), provided a crucial platform for government officials and private sector representatives from Africa and the Caribbean to engage in dialogue, explore potential partnerships, and facilitate deal-making. The event aimed to capitalize on the growing trade potential between the regions, projected to reach US$1.8 billion by 2028, by focusing on key sectors such as processed foods, minerals and metals, transportation, and logistics.

Representing Saint Kitts and Nevis at ACTIF2025 was a high-level delegation led by Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew. This delegation underscored the nation’s commitment to forging strategic alliances with African nations, fostering economic growth, and enhancing its global standing. Joining Prime Minister Drew were key figures instrumental in shaping and implementing the nation’s economic policies: the Honourable Samal Duggins, Minister of Agriculture et al., Carlton Pogson representing the Ministry of Finance, Naeemah Hazelle, Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, and Sherema Matthew, Director of the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service (SKNIS). Their presence signified the importance Saint Kitts and Nevis placed on the potential benefits of strengthening ties with Africa.

The ACTIF2025 forum served as a dynamic arena for exploring mutually beneficial opportunities across diverse sectors. Discussions centred around enhancing trade relationships, particularly in areas where each region possessed comparative advantages. Processed foods, with the potential for value addition and export, held significant promise, while minerals and metals presented another avenue for collaboration. Improvements in transportation and logistics were recognized as critical to facilitating seamless trade flows and unlocking the full potential of economic cooperation between the two regions. The forum facilitated the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and best practices, paving the way for greater understanding and stronger partnerships.

Prime Minister Drew’s participation at ACTIF2025 symbolized Saint Kitts and Nevis’ proactive approach to international engagement and economic diversification. The forum aligned perfectly with the Federation’s development agenda, which emphasizes building resilience through strategic partnerships and exploring new avenues for economic growth. By actively engaging with African nations, Saint Kitts and Nevis sought to tap into a vast and dynamic market, fostering economic prosperity and strengthening its position on the global stage. The presence of key government officials alongside the Prime Minister demonstrated a whole-of-government approach to fostering these vital international relationships.

The ACTIF2025 forum provided a unique opportunity for Saint Kitts and Nevis to explore innovative investment opportunities and attract foreign direct investment. By showcasing the Federation’s stable political climate, attractive investment incentives, and skilled workforce, the delegation aimed to attract investors seeking new markets and partnerships. The forum also allowed for the exploration of potential joint ventures and collaborations in key sectors, further strengthening the economic ties between Saint Kitts and Nevis and African nations. This proactive approach to investment attraction was viewed as crucial for driving sustainable economic development and creating new opportunities for the citizens of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

In conclusion, the ACTIF2025 forum in Grenada served as a pivotal event in the ongoing effort to strengthen ties between Africa and the Caribbean. For Saint Kitts and Nevis, participation in the forum represented a strategic move to diversify its economic partnerships, explore new markets, and attract investment. The forum provided a platform to showcase the Federation’s strengths and explore collaborative opportunities that aligned with its long-term development goals. Prime Minister Drew’s leadership and the presence of a high-level delegation signaled the nation’s commitment to building resilient and transformative partnerships with African nations, marking a significant step towards achieving its economic and global positioning objectives.