At the 2025 African Investment Forum (AIF) Market Days in Rabat, Morocco, Daniel M. Best, President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), delivered a compelling keynote address, urging stakeholders to harness innovative partnerships to drive large-scale investments in Africa and the Caribbean. Speaking under the theme “Bridging the Gap: Mobilizing Private Capital to Unlock Africa’s Full Potential,” Best emphasized the transformative power of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), blended finance, and strategic alliances in overcoming shared challenges such as fiscal constraints, climate change, and infrastructure deficits.
Best highlighted that capital is a tool for development, not an end in itself. He stressed that well-structured partnerships go beyond building assets—they foster confidence, create jobs, and drive inclusive growth. Drawing on examples like Dominica’s geothermal energy project and the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility, he underscored the critical role of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) in de-risking projects and attracting private investment.
The CDB President called for enhanced collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean in areas such as project development, PPP structuring, and climate resilience investments. He noted that platforms like the AIF provide invaluable opportunities to align stakeholders, share successful models, and scale impactful solutions.
Best also participated in a panel discussion with prominent development leaders, exploring how innovative financing mechanisms and risk-sharing strategies can bridge the investment gap in key sectors like energy, transportation, and healthcare. The discussions reaffirmed the importance of strategic cooperation and meticulous planning in fostering sustainable growth across both regions.