Afreximbank, St Kitts and Nevis sign deal to host 2026 AfriCaribbean trade forum

The African Export-Import Bank on Tuesday said it has signed a hosting agreement with the government of St Kitts and Nevis for the fifth AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2026), as the two sides move to deepen economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean. Afreximbank President, George Elombi, said the forum would focus on identifying priority projects to support shared development goals across what the bank describes as “Global Africa.” “At the fifth edition of ACTIF, we will once again reunite with our fellow Africans across the Atlantic to reflect on our shared development challenges and recommit to strategic programmes that will advance our collective aspiration for self-reliance,” Elombi said. Prime Minister, Terrance M Drew, said hosting the forum would position the island nation as a gateway for investment and a key partner in strengthening Africa–Caribbean economic cooperation.

“We are not just a beautiful destination; we are a gateway for investment and a hub for enterprise,” Drew said. “ACTIF2026 will create new opportunities for our people and businesses,” he said. The forum will bring together governments, investors, private sector leaders and development finance institutions to explore trade and investment prospects and discuss ways to accelerate cross-regional integration.

Afreximbank said ACTIF2025 resulted in five Caribbean deals worth US$291.25 million across three countries. The bank has approved more than US$700 million in financing in the CARICOM region since opening its Barbados office two years ago, including support for climate adaptation, tourism, SME financing and oil and gas projects. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.