Afreximbank and St Kitts and Nevis Seal Hosting Agreement for ACTIF2026 Forum
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has officially announced the signing of a Hosting Agreement with the Government of St Kitts and Nevis for the fifth edition of the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2026). This significant agreement underscores a mutual commitment to strengthening Afri-Caribbean partnerships and boosting trade and economic connections between the regions.
Event Details and Leadership Statements
ACTIF2026 is scheduled to take place from 29 to 31 July 2026 at the St. Kitts Marriott Beach Resort, Casino & Spa in Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis. In a statement, Dr George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, emphasized the forum's role in addressing shared development challenges. "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 to recommit to the implementation of strategic programmes that will advance our collective aspiration for self-determination and self-reliance," he said. "Through ACTIF2026, we will identify priority projects and programmes and dedicate ourselves to effective execution. This will be the pathway to our shared economic development."
Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance M Drew, expressed honour in hosting the event, highlighting its potential as a catalyst for investment. "We are honoured to host the fifth edition of the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum. This agreement signals our strong commitment to strengthening economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean," he stated. "We are not just a beautiful destination; we are a gateway for investment, a hub for enterprise, and a proud partner in the Renaissance of Africans. ACTIF2026 will serve as a catalyst for trade and investment, creating new opportunities for our people and businesses. This forum will create lasting pathways that will benefit our citizens, our region, and the entire African continent for generations to come. We look forward to welcoming delegates from global Africa to St Kitts and Nevis."
Forum Expectations and Historical Impact
Beyond the scenic beauty of the archipelago, attendees at ACTIF2026 can anticipate a range of opportunities, including:
- Participating in panel discussions on regional trade
- Exploring investment prospects
- Networking with key stakeholders
- Learning about initiatives aimed at enhancing Africa-Caribbean economic cooperation
The forum will provide a high-level platform for African and Caribbean governments, investors, private sector leaders, development finance institutions, entrepreneurs, and diaspora stakeholders to deliberate and determine the most suitable pathways for Global Africa to continue growing amid global uncertainties.
Afreximbank's Role and Recent Achievements
Convened by Afreximbank, ACTIF has emerged as the premier platform for mobilising capital, forging partnerships, and accelerating economic integration between Africa and the Caribbean. The previous edition, ACTIF2025, recorded five Caribbean deals totalling USD 291.25 million across three countries, encompassing areas such as Trade and Investment Finance, Corporate Finance, Project Preparation, and Export Development.
Since opening its Barbados office two years ago, Afreximbank has approved more than $700 million in critical financing across the CARICOM region. This includes support for:
- Climate adaptation in Saint Lucia
- Sports infrastructure and tourism development in Barbados
- SME financing in the Bahamas
- Tourism projects in Grenada
- Oil and gas initiatives in Suriname
This hosting agreement marks a pivotal step in fostering deeper economic collaboration and investment flows between Africa and the Caribbean, with ACTIF2026 poised to drive significant progress in trade and development initiatives.
