Prime Minister Drew Pledges CARICOM-Africa Leadership in 2026

The Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit 2025 (AACIS 25), held in Abuja, Nigeria, concluded on March 27th, marking a pivotal moment in strengthening ties and fostering economic collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean. The summit, which brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including government leaders, business executives, cultural figures, and development partners, aimed to shape a shared economic future for the two regions. Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance M. Drew, delivered the closing address, emphasizing the summit’s significance as a “declaration of purpose” and a catalyst for turning dialogue into tangible development initiatives.

Prime Minister Drew commended the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for hosting the summit and acknowledged the efforts of Ms. Aisha Maina and the Aquarian Consult team in facilitating meaningful exchanges and collaborations. He also recognized the crucial role played by the Afreximbank in championing partnerships between Africa and the Caribbean. A significant announcement during the closing remarks was Prime Minister Drew’s commitment to bring Caribbean leadership back to Abuja in 2026 during his tenure as Chairman of the CARICOM Heads of Government. This initiative underscores the Prime Minister’s dedication to solidifying the burgeoning relationship between the two regions.

The Prime Minister’s vision for the 2026 summit extends beyond a mere gathering; he intends to convene fellow leaders from other CARICOM countries, signifying a collective effort to bridge the geographical divide and forge a stronger bond between Africa and the Caribbean. This commitment reflects a broader legacy of bold decision-making that Prime Minister Drew has championed throughout his leadership. He views the summit as a crucial step towards igniting a path of collaboration and shared prosperity.

Throughout the summit, Prime Minister Drew actively participated in discussions on critical issues such as finance, climate resilience, and access to capital. The St. Kitts and Nevis delegation maintained a strong presence across various sessions, including those focused on agriculture, tourism, sustainable development, and the creative economy, demonstrating the nation’s commitment to multifaceted engagement. The final day of the summit featured insightful presentations from key members of the St. Kitts and Nevis delegation.

Dr. Marcus Natta, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the ASPIRE Programme, delivered a presentation on the transformative objectives of the initiative, highlighting its potential to drive development and innovation. His Excellency Larry Vaughan, Ambassador to CARICOM and OECS, underscored the importance of recognizing both the similarities and differences between Africa and the Caribbean. He emphasized that these distinctions should not be viewed as divisive factors but rather as powerful tools to foster meaningful collaborations, mutual growth, and a stronger collective identity.

The AACIS 25 served as a platform for constructive dialogue, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist within both regions. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the summit facilitated the exchange of ideas and best practices, paving the way for collaborative projects and initiatives. The emphasis on finance, climate resilience, and access to capital highlighted key areas where joint efforts can yield significant benefits.

Prime Minister Drew’s commitment to reconvening Caribbean leaders in Abuja in 2026 signifies a sustained effort to strengthen the Africa-Caribbean partnership. This future summit holds the promise of translating the dialogue initiated at AACIS 25 into concrete actions and tangible outcomes. The presentations by Dr. Natta and Ambassador Vaughan further underscored the importance of leveraging both shared experiences and unique strengths to foster a mutually beneficial relationship.

The summit’s focus on agriculture, tourism, sustainable development, and the creative economy reflects a recognition of the diverse economic potential within both regions. By exploring these sectors, the summit sought to identify opportunities for collaboration and investment that can drive economic growth and create jobs. The discussions on climate resilience acknowledged the shared vulnerability of both regions to the impacts of climate change, emphasizing the need for joint strategies to mitigate risks and build resilience.

The AACIS 25 served as a launching pad for a renewed era of collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean. By building on the momentum generated at the summit, both regions can work together to address shared challenges, unlock economic opportunities, and create a brighter future for their people. The commitment to ongoing dialogue and collaborative initiatives, as evidenced by Prime Minister Drew’s pledge to return to Abuja in 2026, sets the stage for a sustained and productive partnership.

The summit’s success lies not only in the high-level discussions and commitments made but also in the fostering of a spirit of unity and shared purpose. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, the AACIS 25 created a space for genuine exchange and collaboration. The emphasis on leveraging both similarities and differences as strengths highlights the potential for a truly synergistic partnership between Africa and the Caribbean. Looking ahead, the focus will be on translating the discussions and commitments into concrete actions that will deliver tangible benefits for both regions. The 2026 summit, envisioned as a grander gathering of Caribbean leaders in Abuja, will serve as a critical milestone in this ongoing journey towards a shared and prosperous future.