St. Kitts and Nevis Announced as Host of the 2026 AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum

St. Kitts and Nevis Announced as Host of the 2026 AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum

The announcement by Prime Minister Terrance M. Drew of St. Kitts and Nevis, during his keynote address at the 32nd Annual Meetings of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in Abuja, Nigeria, signifies a pivotal moment in the burgeoning relationship between Africa and the Caribbean. Hosting the 2026 AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF) places St. Kitts and Nevis at the forefront of a dynamic movement fostering deeper institutional and commercial ties across the Atlantic. This selection underscores the growing recognition of the twin-island nation as a strategic hub for international collaboration and trade diplomacy, further solidifying its role in shaping the future of South-South cooperation. The ACTIF forum, established by Afreximbank in 2022, has rapidly emerged as the premier platform for facilitating trade and investment between Africa and the Caribbean, drawing hundreds of key stakeholders, including investors, policymakers, and business leaders.

The decision to host ACTIF 2026 in St. Kitts and Nevis follows a series of successful forums held in Barbados (2022), Guyana (2023), The Bahamas (2024), and upcoming Grenada (2025). These gatherings have not only generated multi-billion-dollar trade and investment commitments but also fostered crucial dialogues on critical areas of mutual interest such as renewable energy, agro-processing, financial technology (fintech), tourism, and cultural industries. The selection of St. Kitts and Nevis as the next host reflects the tangible progress made through these forums and demonstrates the commitment to expanding this vital partnership. Each successive forum has built upon the achievements of its predecessors, creating a momentum that promises to further enrich the collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean.

Prime Minister Drew’s announcement was met with resounding enthusiasm from attendees at the Afreximbank meeting, highlighting the growing confidence in St. Kitts and Nevis’ ability to facilitate meaningful dialogue and productive outcomes. This positive reception underscores the nation’s burgeoning reputation as a destination for global convening and its commitment to fostering international trade and investment. The Prime Minister’s address emphasized the importance of building upon the legacy established by Afreximbank and its President, Professor Benedict Oramah, in forging stronger connections between the two regions. He highlighted the potential of ACTIF 2026 to further strengthen South-South cooperation and create lasting opportunities for both Africa and the Caribbean.

The 2026 forum provides an opportune platform for St. Kitts and Nevis to showcase its own development agenda, the Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA). This agenda focuses on key areas such as renewable energy, food security, healthcare modernization, and investment facilitation, all of which are expected to feature prominently during the forum. By hosting ACTIF 2026, St. Kitts and Nevis can demonstrate its commitment to sustainable development while simultaneously attracting potential investors and partners. The forum will offer a unique opportunity to showcase the nation’s progress and its potential for future growth in these key sectors.

The hosting of ACTIF 2026 holds significant implications for St. Kitts and Nevis, positioning the nation as a key player in the evolving landscape of global trade and investment. This event not only provides a platform to attract significant investment and stimulate economic growth but also elevates the nation’s international profile, fostering greater recognition and influence on the world stage. The forum serves as a catalyst for strengthening relationships with African nations, creating new avenues for collaboration and partnership in various sectors.

The ACTIF forum promises to be a crucial stepping stone in the ongoing journey to solidify the partnership between Africa and the Caribbean. By facilitating dialogue, fostering collaboration, and unlocking opportunities for trade and investment, this forum plays a vital role in shaping a future of shared prosperity. As St. Kitts and Nevis prepares to host ACTIF 2026, the anticipation for a transformative event that will further cement the bonds between these two dynamic regions is palpable. The forum is poised to be a landmark occasion, fostering deeper understanding, strengthening existing ties, and creating new pathways for sustainable development and economic growth for both Africa and the Caribbean.

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