Georgetown, Guyana – The second AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF23) will be hosted in Georgetown, Guyana, from October 30-31, 2023, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Guyana government announced today.
The forum will focus on consolidating commercial collaboration between the Caribbean region and Africa, for increased inter-regional trade and investment. The theme of the event is “Creating a Shared Prosperous Future.”
“Guyana is honored to host the second AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum,” said Hugh Todd, Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. “We are committed to strengthening economic relations between Africa and the Caribbean, building on our shared history and culture.”
“We are excited to announce the return of the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum,” said Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank. “The first forum was a resounding success, and we look forward to even greater outcomes this year. ACTIF23 will provide a platform for businesses and investors from Africa and the Caribbean to connect, network, and explore trade and investment opportunities.”
The AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum was introduced in 2022 to enhance the growth of trade and investment between Africa and the Caribbean. The inaugural event in Barbados attracted over 1,267 delegates from 108 countries.
There has been growing commercial cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean, supported by Afreximbank. Eleven CARICOM member countries are now participating states in the bank. Afreximbank is also launching a representative office in Bridgetown, Barbados, and providing technical assistance towards the establishment of the Caricom Export-Import Bank, and the deployment of the Pan African Payment and Settlement System in the Caribbean.
The ACTIF23 forum is expected to generate billions of dollars in trade and investment deals between Africa and the Caribbean. It will also provide an opportunity to discuss ways to boost trade and investment in key sectors such as manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, and infrastructure.