Saint Kitts and Nevis Promotes African-Caribbean Cooperation at ACTIF2025

The burgeoning partnership between the African and Caribbean regions took center stage at ACTIF2025, with Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrance Drew, showcasing concrete examples of successful collaboration. He underscored how his nation has been instrumental in translating shared aspirations into tangible outcomes, effectively bridging the geographical divide and fostering meaningful connections. Dr. Drew recounted a series of pivotal engagements originating from a summit held in Basseterre, the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis. These initial discussions laid the groundwork for a dynamic partnership with Aquarian Consult, a Nigerian firm, facilitating reciprocal visits between representatives of both regions. This exchange culminated in a vibrant cultural delegation from Africa visiting Saint Kitts and Nevis, comprising athletes, artists, and business leaders. The visit fostered a rich cultural exchange, facilitated investment discussions, and even included a friendly football match, fostering camaraderie among young people from both continents.

Dr. Drew emphasized the palpable impact of these interactions, particularly the cultural fusion experienced during the visit. The melding of West African and Saint Kitts and Nevisian cultural expressions created a memorable experience, forging bonds that are expected to endure. The football match, in particular, served as a powerful symbol of unity and cross-cultural understanding, demonstrating the ease with which connections can be fostered between seemingly disparate communities. He emphasized the inherent feasibility of such collaborative efforts, dispelling any notion that distance or cultural differences present insurmountable obstacles. The success of these initial exchanges serves as a compelling testament to the potential for deeper, more impactful collaborations in the future.

Beyond cultural exchange, Prime Minister Drew highlighted the establishment of new educational partnerships between Saint Kitts and Nevis and institutions in Tanzania and Kenya. These collaborations aim to equip young people in the Federation with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an interconnected global economy. By providing access to diverse educational opportunities, these partnerships empower the next generation to become leaders and innovators on the global stage. These educational initiatives represent a strategic investment in human capital, recognizing education as a cornerstone of sustainable development and economic growth. Dr. Drew emphasized that these current initiatives are merely the first steps in a broader strategy to strengthen ties between Africa and the Caribbean.

Underscoring the momentum of this burgeoning partnership, Dr. Drew announced the signing of two agreements with Afreximbank (African Export-Import Bank), with a third anticipated during ACTIF2025 itself. These agreements focus on facilitating private sector investment, further solidifying the Federation’s growing international influence. The partnership with Afreximbank demonstrates Saint Kitts and Nevis’ proactive approach to attracting investment and promoting economic development. By leveraging the resources and expertise of this prominent financial institution, the Federation aims to stimulate economic growth and create opportunities for its citizens. These agreements signal a growing recognition of Saint Kitts and Nevis as a reliable and attractive investment destination.

Prime Minister Drew’s address served to highlight the Federation’s commitment to fostering tangible and mutually beneficial relationships with African nations. He emphasized that the size of a nation does not dictate its ability to make a significant impact on the global stage. Rather, it is leadership, strategic partnerships, and effective execution that determine a nation’s influence. Saint Kitts and Nevis, despite its modest size, serves as a prime example of how strategic vision and decisive action can lead to meaningful international partnerships. By prioritizing collaboration and focusing on shared goals, the Federation has successfully established itself as a key player in the growing Africa-Caribbean relationship.

In concluding his remarks, Dr. Drew reiterated the Federation’s commitment to leading by example, translating vision into action, and creating opportunities for its people. The success stories shared at ACTIF2025 underscore the potential of the Africa-Caribbean partnership to drive economic growth, foster cultural exchange, and empower future generations. The ongoing collaborations between Saint Kitts and Nevis and African nations demonstrate a shared commitment to building a more interconnected and prosperous future. These initiatives represent a significant step towards realizing the full potential of this dynamic partnership, promising a future of shared prosperity and mutual understanding. The ongoing dialogue and collaborative efforts are laying the foundation for a deeper and more impactful relationship between these two historically connected regions.