In a landmark move to strengthen interregional economic collaboration, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has formalized a hosting agreement with the government of St Kitts and Nevis for the fifth iteration of the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF 2026). The partnership was announced in an official statement released Tuesday by Vincent Musumba, Afreximbank’s Communications and Events Manager.
Musumba emphasized that the new agreement reflects a mutual dedication to deepening long-standing ties between African and Caribbean nations, with a core focus on expanding bilateral trade and boosting shared economic development. Scheduled to run from July 29 to 31, 2026, the upcoming forum will be hosted at the St. Kitts Marriott Beach Resort, Casino & Spa in Basseterre, the capital of St Kitts and Nevis.
The 2026 forum is designed to deliver actionable outcomes for cross-regional cooperation, featuring a packed program of expert panel discussions on priority trade policy issues, targeted explorations of untapped investment opportunities, and collaborative sessions to launch new joint economic initiatives. It will convene a diverse cross-section of stakeholders, including senior government officials, institutional investors, private sector chief executives, development finance bodies, local entrepreneurs, and diaspora leaders, all working to map out sustainable growth trajectories amid widespread global economic volatility.
George Elombi, President and Chairman of Afreximbank’s Board of Directors, framed the fifth ACTIF as a critical reunion for African and Caribbean communities bound by shared heritage. “At the fifth edition of ACTIF, we will once again reunite with our fellow Africans across the Atlantic,” Elombi said. “We will reflect on our shared development challenges and recommit to implementing strategic programmes that advance our collective aspiration for self-determination and self-reliance.” He added that ACTIF 2026 will prioritize identifying high-impact cross-regional projects and putting in place clear frameworks to ensure their successful delivery, laying the groundwork for inclusive shared economic growth.
Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, welcomed the agreement as a transformative milestone for advancing Africa-Caribbean economic ties. “We are honoured to host the fifth edition of the ACTIF. This agreement signals our strong commitment to strengthening economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean,” Drew said. “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.” Drew noted that the forum will act as a powerful catalyst for expanded trade and investment flows, generating new opportunities for businesses and households across both regions. “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,” he added.
Since its launch, ACTIF has grown into a leading flagship platform for connecting African and Caribbean economies, designed to mobilize new capital, foster durable cross-sector partnerships, and accelerate progress toward deeper economic integration. During the 2025 forum, stakeholders secured five cross-border deals across three Caribbean nations, totaling $291.25 million in value. The deals spanned a range of high-priority areas, including trade and investment finance, corporate lending, project preparation support, and export development capacity building.
Afreximbank has rapidly expanded its presence across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in recent years. Since opening its regional office in Barbados two years ago, the bank has approved more than $700 million in financing for projects across the bloc. The funding has supported a diverse portfolio of initiatives spanning climate adaptation, tourism infrastructure, general public works, small and medium enterprise development, and energy sector projects, delivering widespread benefits to local communities across the region.
Additional information about ACTIF 2026, including registration details and program updates, is available on the forum’s official website at https://actif2026.afreximbankevents.com.