Transforming Cross-Regional Trade through the Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit
In a world where global trade is evolving at an unprecedented pace, Africa and the Caribbean are taking bold steps towards strengthening their economic ties. Historically connected through shared cultures, histories, and challenges, these two regions now stand at the brink of a new era of strategic investment and trade partnerships. To unlock these new economic frontiers, promote cross-regional investments, and drive business collaborations across vital industries such as technology, agriculture, manufacturing, and finance, Aquarian Consult Limited (ACL), in collaboration with the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, is set to hold the inaugural Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit (AACIS ’25) in Nigeria. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that this will position Africa and the Caribbean as powerhouses for trade, innovation, and sustainable economic growth
In a bold move to strengthen economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean, Aquarian Consult Limited (ACL), in collaboration with the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, has announced the inaugural Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit (AACIS ’25). Scheduled to take place from 25th – 28th March 2025 at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Nigeria, this landmark event aims to foster cross-regional investment, encourage trade partnerships, and unlock new economic frontiers across key industries.
For Aquarian Consult, a firm with a 16-year track record in strategy development, business advisory, project management, and capacity building, the summit represents a significant step towards facilitating high-impact investment alliances. Over the years, the company has built a reputation for enhancing business performance and supporting sustainable development in an evolving global economy.
With its theme “Bridging Continents – Africa and the Caribbean: A Partnership for Prosperity”, the summit is designed to drive dialogue among business leaders, policymakers, and investors interested in viable investment opportunities across both regions.
A Vision for Economic Growth
The Summit Coordinator, Hyelsinta Linda Ojo, emphasised the importance of this initiative, noting that the event will provide unparalleled access to credible investment prospects.
“This summit marks a pivotal step in strengthening Africa-Caribbean trade relations and will provide an unparalleled platform for high-level dialogue, strategic networking, and impactful partnerships among policymakers, investors, and business leaders,” Ojo stated.
Further elaborating on the summit’s key mission, she said “The Aquarian Consult Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit ’25 is a strategic initiative aimed at deepening economic integration, enhancing cross-border investment, and fostering sustainable business collaborations.”
Beyond investment, the summit will serve as a hub for knowledge exchange, providing insights into market trends, investment risks, and growth sectors that can benefit from African-Caribbean collaboration.
Key Objectives of AACIS ’25
The Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit ’25 is designed to be transformative, with a focus on fostering cross-regional partnerships that will benefit both continents. Some of its core objectives include: Showcasing African investment opportunities to Caribbean investors; African investment opportunities to African investors; and Caribbean investment opportunities to African investors.
With the participation of key stakeholders from both regions, AACIS ’25 is poised to strengthen economic alliances, create new markets, and support collaborative business ventures that will redefine Africa-Caribbean trade relations.
A Summit with a Difference
Unlike traditional business forums, AACIS ’25 is designed to offer a comprehensive investment ecosystem, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and investors under one roof.
The summit will feature Insightful keynote addresses from global leaders; High-level plenary sessions exploring trade, policy, and investment dynamics; Sector-focused breakout discussions on industries such as technology, agriculture, manufacturing, and finance; and dynamic exhibition floor, where businesses of all sizes can showcase innovative products and services to potential investors.
According to Ojo, the event is structured to bring policymakers together to discuss ways to facilitate ease of doing business and investment, adding that “the idea is to bring both policymakers into the same room so that they can have a discourse on how to facilitate ease of doing business and investment”.
This high-level engagement is expected to bridge existing investment gaps, enhance policy alignment, and promote bilateral agreements that will drive sustainable economic growth across both regions.
Meanwhile, AACIS ’25 will host an impressive lineup of speakers, including Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, who will deliver the keynote address alongside his official delegation; and Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former President of Mauritius, who will also take the stage to share her expertise in economic development and international investment.
With such esteemed personalities in attendance, the summit is expected to offer unparalleled insights into policy-driven economic transformations, business expansion strategies, and investment incentives that can benefit both African and Caribbean stakeholders.
Investment Benefits and Economic Impact
One of the most highly anticipated aspects of AACIS ’25 is the opportunity for investors to explore citizenship-by-investment schemes, particularly through St. Kitts and Nevis. This unique programme offers high-net-worth individuals the ability to secure Caribbean citizenship in exchange for qualifying investments in the country’s economy.
According to Ojo, this is an added benefit for attendees looking to expand their business footprint in the Caribbean. “It’s part of what they are also going to try and sell here because it’s one of their major sources of revenue. This is as passports making does not come cheap,” she said.
The summit will also highlight key investment sectors in the Caribbean, including real estate, tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy, offering African investors the opportunity to diversify their portfolios and leverage Caribbean markets for greater profitability.
Ojo further emphasised the potential for collaboration, stating that “There’s such a vast area in the Caribbean where investment is possible. So, the idea is to collaborate for more economic gains. They have large pieces of land, and in Nigeria, we have very innovative minds and businesses that require investment. So, it’s going to help foster that.”
This cross-regional collaboration is expected to drive economic diversification, reduce trade imbalances, and create sustainable employment opportunities in both Africa and the Caribbean.
Creating Opportunities for Entrepreneurs
Another crucial aspect of AACIS ’25 is its focus on empowering entrepreneurs. By facilitating strategic partnerships, the summit will provide a launchpad for startups, small businesses, and medium-sized enterprises looking to expand beyond their domestic markets.
Speaking at the press briefing, Interim Chief Operating Officer of Aquarian Consult, Abisola Bamtefa, highlighted that the summit presents a significant advantage for African and Caribbean entrepreneurs, offering them a rare platform to attract investors.
“Who knows, we might just get someone who is interested in investing,” Bamtefa remarked.
With venture capitalists, institutional investors, and government agencies expected to be in attendance, AACIS ’25 will open doors for funding opportunities, market expansion, and business growth strategies that can elevate African and Caribbean enterprises to new heights.
A Bold New Era of Economic Engagement
AACIS ’25 represents a bold new era of economic engagement, poised to redefine Africa-Caribbean trade relations. The event is expected to result in Stronger economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean; New business deals and investment commitments; Improved trade policies and diplomatic cooperation; and more dynamic investment landscape for both regions.
As a leader in business and economic development, Aquarian Consult Limited remains committed to ensuring the success of this historic summit with the invitation on participation, sponsorship, and investment opportunities on corporateservices@aquarianconsult.com.
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This summit marks a pivotal step in strengthening Africa-Caribbean trade relations and will provide an unparalleled platform for high-level dialogue, strategic networking, and impactful partnerships among policymakers, investors, and business leaders
