The Egypt-based African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) Tuesday announced that it has signed the “Hosting Agreement” with the St. Kitts and Nevis government for the fifth edition of the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2026).
Afreximbank said the signing of the host agreement highlights a shared resolve to deepen Afri-Caribbean partnerships and enhance trade and economic ties. ACTIF2026 will take place in Basseterre from July 29–31.
“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,” said Afreximbank’s president and chairman of the board of directors, Dr George Elombi.
“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,” he added.
St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister, Dr. Terrance M Drew, said his country is honoured to host the event, adding “this agreement signals our strong commitment to strengthening economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean.
“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,” said Drew.
Afreximbank said that ACTIF2026 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 pathway for Global Africa to continue to grow amid uncertainty.
ACTIF has emerged as the premier platform for mobilising capital, forging partnerships, and accelerating economic integration between Africa and the Caribbean.
ACTIF2025 recorded five Caribbean deals totalling US$291.25 million across three countries, encompassing Trade and Investment Finance, Corporate Finance, Project Preparation, and Export Development.
Since opening its Barbados office two years ago, Afreximbank has approved more than US$700 million in financing across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) region including es support for climate adaptation in St. Lucia, sports infrastructure and tourism development in Barbados, SME financing in the Bahamas, tourism projects in Grenada, and oil and gas initiatives in Suriname. (CMC)
