Caribbean nations and Nigeria are set to deepen their Trade and Investment relations at the upcoming Aquarian Consult Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit (AACIS ’25), scheduled to take place from 25 to 28 March 2025 at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. Organised by Aquarian Consult Limited in partnership with the government of St. Kitts and Nevis, the summit, themed “Bridging Continents: Africa and the Caribbean—A Partnership for Prosperity,” aims to unlock new economic opportunities, foster cross-regional investments, and facilitate high-level discussions on trade and development. Key stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, and policymakers, will convene to explore ways to enhance economic collaboration between the two regions.
Summit Coordinator Hyelsinta Linda Ojo highlighted the importance of the event in promoting credible investment opportunities across key sectors such as finance, manufacturing, technology, and agriculture. She noted that Aquarian Consult, with its 16-year track record in business advisory and capacity building, has played a significant role in fostering industry growth. According to her, the summit will serve as a platform for impactful partnerships, high-level dialogue, and strategic networking, reinforcing the trade and investment ties between Africa and the Caribbean.
Nigerian businesses will find new opportunities in the Caribbean.
A key aspect of the summit will be discussions on Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes, which serve as a major Revenue source for Caribbean nations. Ojo noted that Nigerian businesses and Investors will have the opportunity to explore investment-friendly policies in the Caribbean, while Caribbean investors can assess potential ventures in Africa. The event will feature keynote addresses from distinguished speakers, including Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former President of Mauritius, and Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, who will provide insights on Economic Development and trade policies. Additionally, an exhibition showcase will highlight innovative startups and investment-ready businesses, creating opportunities for cross-border collaborations.
Interim Chief Operating Officer of Aquarian Consult, Abisola Bamtefa, stressed that the summit could serve as a gateway for African entrepreneurs and small businesses to secure investment and expand operations. With growing interest in Africa-Caribbean collaborations, AACIS ’25 is expected to pave the way for stronger economic partnerships and open new trade frontiers, reinforcing a shared vision for prosperity. The summit’s outcomes could shape future engagements between both regions, offering a structured framework for deeper economic cooperation.
Building on shared heritage will foster stronger business relations.
Strengthening trade ties between Africa and the Caribbean is not just about economic gains but also about fostering historical and cultural connections that have long existed between the two regions. Many Caribbean nations share deep-rooted African heritage, and stronger business collaborations could create a new economic bloc that leverages shared values and market potential. The summit comes at a time when both regions are looking to diversify their economies and reduce dependence on traditional revenue sources, making it a timely intervention in global trade discussions. If successfully implemented, trade agreements formed at the event could significantly boost exports, industrial growth, and investment inflows on both sides.
Nigeria, in particular, stands to benefit from this engagement as it continues its drive for economic diversification. With a strong reliance on crude oil revenues, the country has been working to strengthen its non-oil sectors, and partnerships with Caribbean economies could open new doors for trade in manufacturing, agribusiness, and digital services. The Caribbean, with its established financial services and tourism industries, could also find opportunities in Nigeria’s rapidly growing Technology ecosystem. By leveraging mutual strengths, both regions could build an economic relationship that promotes Sustainable Development and long-term prosperity.
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Overall, ensuring that the summit’s impact extends beyond discussions will require deliberate policy action and follow-up mechanisms. Trade incentives, bilateral agreements, and financing frameworks could help transform initial conversations into concrete investments. Governments and business leaders on both sides will need to commit to sustained collaboration, ensuring that AACIS ’25 becomes a catalyst for long-term economic integration rather than just another diplomatic engagement. If effectively pursued, the partnerships forged at this summit could mark a turning point in Africa-Caribbean economic relations, creating lasting benefits for businesses and communities across both regions.