AfriCaribbean Unity in Action: ACTIF2025 Signals a New Era of Afro-Caribbean Transformation

The fourth edition of the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2025) opened today in Grenada’s capital under the resounding theme, “Resilience and Transformation: Enhancing Africa-Caribbean Economic Cooperation in an Era of Global Uncertainty.” With over 1,700 participants and dignitaries present, the Forum marked a watershed moment in Africa-Caribbean relations, blending bold financial commitments with the launch of strategic institutional innovations.

Prof. Oramah’s Last Address: From Vision to Institutional Transformation

Delivering his final keynote address as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Oramah electrified the audience with a spirited call to “move from slogans to systems.” Outlining a concrete slate of achievements and forward-looking initiatives, Oramah emphasized that the partnership between Africa and the Caribbean has moved decisively from symbolic gestures to structured frameworks.

In a pivotal declaration, he stated, “In under four years, we’ve ratified the Partnership Agreement in 11 CARICOM countries, providing the Bank a solid legal foundation to operate, support, and invest in their economies.” He framed this milestone as a “sovereign declaration” of confidence in Africa as both the past and future of the Caribbean.

Key Announcements That Signal a New Phase of Collaboration

Several high-impact initiatives were unveiled at ACTIF2025, representing a deepening of Afreximbank’s commitment to the region:

• Caribbean EXIM Bank: A feasibility study is underway for a dedicated regional export-import bank, co-developed with the CARICOM Secretariat, to accelerate trade and industrial development.

• $250M Growth, Resilience, and Sustainability Fund (GRSF): Managed by Afreximbank’s Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), the fund will provide blended finance for climate adaptation and development goals, in partnership with the CARICOM Development Fund.

• CAPSS (Caribbean Payment & Settlement System): Inspired by Africa’s PAPSS platform, CAPSS will allow instant cross-border transactions in local currencies and will soon support a CAPSS Card, slashing forex costs and facilitating regional trade.

• Creative & Cultural Investment: $24 million has been committed to a film production and training hub in the OECS via CANEX. Additional support has promoted Caribbean designers, chefs, and artisans onto global platforms.

• AI and Generative Tech Centre: A new innovation hub will be launched in collaboration with the P.J. Patterson Institute at the University of the West Indies, placing Afro-Caribbean talent at the forefront of global technological development.

A Call for the Global Africa Commission

In a significant departure from previous forums, Oramah urged the institutionalisation of the Global Africa vision through the establishment of a sovereign, jointly mandated Global Africa Commission. He proposed this body be backed by Afreximbank, CARICOM, and the African Union and tasked with advancing the continents' joint trade, cultural, educational, and technological agendas.

“What we have done so far is prove the concept,” he stressed. “We now need to institutionalise it… to give more focus to the initiative, reduce the administrative burden on Afreximbank and create an environment for innovation.”

Transition of Leadership: George Elombi Steps In

This year’s Forum also marked a changing of the guard, as Prof. Oramah prepares to hand over leadership to Dr. George Elombi, Afreximbank’s long-serving Executive Vice President and the newly nominated President following the Bank’s 32nd Annual Meeting in Abuja.

“I have no shred of doubt that he is the right person to lead us in the next phase,” Oramah affirmed.

PM Dickon Mitchell’s Rallying Cry: “No One Will Save Global Africa But Global Africa”

Grenadian Prime Minister Hon. Dickon Mitchell offered an emotionally resonant response, pledging unwavering support for the Global Africa vision and confirming CARICOM leaders’ recommendation to award Prof. Oramah the Order of the Caribbean Community, the region’s highest honour.

In a heartfelt exchange with a young volunteer who asked why Grenada chose to host ACTIF2025, PM Mitchell distilled the Forum’s essence: “It’s about money. It’s about trade. It’s about investment… our very survival, prosperity and dignity depends on the economic decisions we make today.”

His parting words echoed across the hall: “We are not starting from scratch. We are starting from strength… we will leave here with a commitment to act, to build together, to trade together, to succeed together and rise together.”

Day One Deal Signings: $290M in Transformational Agreements

Demonstrating ACTIF2025’s theme of moving from rhetoric to results, the Forum’s opening day witnessed five major agreements totaling over US$290 million, showcasing Afreximbank’s commitment to trade-enabling infrastructure:

• US$50M Heads of Terms with Saint Kitts and Nevis for educational construction and rehabilitation with a climate-linked framework.

• US$40M PPP with Gemini Integrated Commodities to develop a modern commercial port in Saint Kitts.

• US$100M Receivables Discounting Facility with Bahamas Striping Group for road rehabilitation in The Bahamas.

• US$40M Infrastructure Agreement with Cat Island Infrastructure Company for additional roadworks.

• US$61.25M Tourism Financing Deal with Speedbird House Ltd. to build a 150-room Homewood Suites by Hilton in Bridgetown, Barbados, under Afreximbank’s CONTOUR program.

Global Attendance Reflects Growing Unity

ACTIF2025 has drawn more than a dozen sitting and former heads of state and senior officials, signaling the event’s continental significance:

• Hon. Mia Amor Mottley (Barbados)

• Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit (Dominica)

• Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew (St. Kitts and Nevis)

• Hon. Philip J. Pierre (Saint Lucia)

• H.E. Kassim Majaliwa (Tanzania)

• H.E. Prudence Sebahizi (Rwanda)

• The Most Hon. PJ Patterson (Jamaica)

• H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria)

• H.E. Mahamadou Issoufou (Niger)

The Road Ahead

ACTIF2025 continues through July 30 with sessions on digital innovation, climate financing, creative industries, and business matchmaking. It is set to leave behind more than just a declaration—it aims to cement a legacy of institutional transformation and practical cooperation that redefines the trajectory of Africa-Caribbean integration.

As Prof. Oramah concluded in a powerful refrain: “In America, America is first. In Europe, Europe is first. In China, China is first. We are the only ones who put ourselves last.”

The message is clear—Global Africa is ready to rise, on its own terms, with its own institutions, powered by its own will.