As global trade is shaken by successive disruptions, strengthening South-South economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean has become an urgent necessity. Concrete efforts are underway to realize this ambition, turning the impossible into reality. Afreximbank is positioning itself as the spearhead of this rapprochement, notably by establishing an office in the Caribbean. The Regional Chief Operating Officer of Afreximbank for the Caribbean emphasized the institution’s catalytic role, seeing it as an opportunity for banks to connect these two regions. These efforts demonstrate considerable economic potential and a validated concept, with real investment and partnership opportunities. The Caribbean world welcomes these advances and the vision needed to overcome historical obstacles and achieve the goal of economic interconnection.
Faced with disruptions in global trade, strengthening South-South economic ties, particularly between Africa and the Caribbean, has become crucial. Concrete efforts are underway to realize this ambition, with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) at the forefront, having established an office in the Caribbean. The Regional Chief Operating Officer of Afreximbank for the Caribbean underscores the institution’s catalytic role. He sees it as an opportunity for banks to connect these two regions, a link that was previously almost non-existent.
This is an opportunity for banks to show that we can lead the way in these very important efforts to connect Africa and the Caribbean. Because previously, there was no action. So, for the creation of this connection, we went and we wanted to prove the concept that there are opportunities for free investment capital between the two regions and also to connect people, create partnerships between Africa and the Caribbean. And I would say the latter has been a success so far. We have built a credit approval for contracts worth over US$600 million in two years.
The Caribbean world also welcomes these advances and the vision needed to overcome the historical obstacles that separated these two regions with deep cultural ties. The Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Saint Kitts and Nevis insisted on the need to innovate to achieve the goal of economic interconnection.
“But we must innovate and make possible what is impossible, or at least seemingly impossible. Mr. President, I know you are succeeding a man who made many seemingly impossible things possible. He concretely linked Africa and the Caribbean.”
Strengthening the Africa-Caribbean axis is crucial for economic autonomy and resilience in the face of supply chain disruptions. Afreximbank’s commitment and the political support of Caribbean leaders mark a decisive turning point. The $600 million in approved credits prove that South-South partnerships are an emerging economic force ready to redefine international trade.