The Fourth AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2025) has concluded with investment and trade agreements valued at over $300 million.
In a statement issued on Friday, Communications and Events Manager at the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank), Vincent Musumba, confirmed that eight agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed during the forum.
ACTIF2025: USD 300M+ in Deals, One Vision for Global Africa
From the Island of Spice, Grenada, leaders, innovators, and change-makers from 80 countries gathered with one mission, to connect Africa and the Caribbean as one.
Over USD 300M in trade and investment deals were… pic.twitter.com/DK2P3n5hTU
— African Export-Import Bank – Afreximbank (@afreximbank) August 8, 2025
These deals span key sectors including infrastructure, tourism, digital transformation, and trade finance.
ACTIF2025 was co-hosted by Afreximbank and the Government of Grenada, underscoring their joint commitment to deepening economic cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean.
The two-day event attracted more than 2,100 participants from 80 countries, including 11 heads of state and government. Delegates comprised government representatives, private sector leaders, and development partners, all focused on strengthening trade and investment ties.
He said Hon. Dickon Mitchell, Grenada’s Prime Minister, in his closing statement, reiterated the region’s resolve to institutionalise its collaboration with Africa:
“We have to be very deliberate about creating institutions that will recreate the type of trade, investment, banking, and financial relationships that we want to build for ourselves.
“The reality is, what was created before was meant to entrap us.”
Mitchell also called for unrestricted people-to-people movement between the regions.
“We are not here to prevent our people from moving. I see no valid reason for maintaining the visa systems. Biometrics allows us to move past that.”
Also, Dr George Elombi, Executive Vice-President, Afreximbank, and incoming President, was quoted as saying, “The next phase is not about justifying our vision; it should be about conviction.”
“Believing further in who we are, where we want to be, and acting decisively.
“Finance is the lifeline of trade. Once we integrate the payment systems and get them to see the Caribbean as the unique opportunity it is, the rest will follow.”
Musumba said that ACTIF2025 ended with a robust communiqué affirming both regions’ commitment to deeper collaboration.
He said the official ACTIF2025 Communiqué welcomed the endorsement of the Global Africa Commission by Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis and other Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
Musumba said the OECS also called for the formal adoption of the Global Africa Commission at the upcoming AU-CARICOM Summit in Addis Ababa in September.
He said the commission was expected to accelerate trade, culture, and investment frameworks across the diaspora and continent.
Musumba said participants also committed to the establishment of a free trade arrangement, elimination of visa restrictions, support for air and maritime links, and expansion of digital, sports, and creative economy partnerships.
He said the communiqué recognised ACTIF2025 as a pivotal moment in building “resilient cross-regional value chains” and affirmed the continuation of the ACTIF platform with the announcement of ACTIF2026.
Musumba said Afreximbank’s President Prof. Benedict Oramah, who is completing his term this year, was celebrated at the event for his vision and leadership.
He said the forum paid tribute to his contributions and reaffirmed his legacy as a foundational force in building Global Africa.
Musumba said a symbolic tree-planting ceremony was held at Camerhogne Park in St. George’s, Grenada, in his honour for his visionary leadership and enduring contributions to Africa-Caribbean relations.
He said the Flamboyant tree, native to Madagascar and widely rooted across the Caribbean and Africa, was chosen for its vibrant red blooms and symbolic resonance of vitality, peace, and growth.