The first-ever GUBA Trade And Investment Forum and GUBA Awards to be held in the Caribbean will take place in Barbados next month, with organisers anticipating major deals in trade, investment and tourism between Africa and the region.
Head of marketing for GUBA (Grow, Unite, Build Africa), Ricardo Simms, said 50 companies had already confirmed participation in the trade and investment forum, scheduled for November 10 and 11, while the GUBA Awards will follow on November 12 at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle Resort, Long Bay, St Philip.
Speaking during a webinar with executives at Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) headquarters on Wednesday, Simms said the event would feature one-on-one business meetings and networking sessions designed to generate concrete outcomes.
“We need to see impact . . . for example, direct flights,” Simms said, noting that increased airlift between Africa and the Caribbean was among the key areas of discussion.
GUBA founder Lady Dentaa Amoateng said delegates from nine African countries had already confirmed attendance – Kenya, Rwanda, Namibia, Ghana, South Africa, Zambia, Uganda, Liberia and Togo.
“We’re stressing the need for direct flights for trade and for more flights to come to the Caribbean,” Lady Amoateng said.
She also confirmed that government ministers from several African nations were among the expected attendees, with about 200 participants anticipated for the forum and awards.
BCCI executive director Misha Lobban Clarke said a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Ghana Chamber of Commerce and the BCCI was being finalised and was expected to be signed during the conference.
“These agreements are aimed at fostering trade,” said BCCI president Paul Inniss.
“We are happy to partner with GUBA. The global landscape is changing and there are opportunities and prospective partnerships in Africa.”
Lady Amoateng shared that the GUBA initiative was conceived in her home in Ghana with the mission of connecting African nations and the diaspora through business, innovation and cultural collaboration. (HH)
