The second edition of the Africa–Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum ACTIF 2023 has opened in Georgetown in Guyana today.
This year’s forum which is under the theme “Creating a Shared Prosperous Future” seeks to focus on consolidating commercial collaboration between the Caribbean region and Africa, for increased inter-regional trade and investment; building on the successes of the inaugural edition that was held in Barbados, in September 2022.
The forum aims at enhancing the growth of trade and investment between Africa and the Caribbean, including promoting airlinks, tourism, technology transfer, financial stability, food security, industrialisation and cultural ties.
The inaugural event welcomed over 1,267 delegates from 108 countries, including participants from 50 African countries, 13 Caribbean countries, and regions as far away as Oceania.
Participants at ACTIF2023 will include African and Caribbean Heads of State, senior government representatives, business leaders, representatives of business associations, development agencies, multilateral finance institutions, think-tanks and research institutions from Africa and the Caribbean.
The Forum is being held in collaboration with the Government of Guyana, the African Union Commission, the AfCFTA Secretariat, the Africa Business Council, the CARICOM Secretariat, and the Caribbean Export Development Agency.
Presentations and panel sessions will address key topics around deepening trade and investment linkages between Africa and the Caribbean. These include: accelerating industrialisation and manufacturing in Special Economic Zones and Industrial Parks; financing trade and investments; opportunities across the cultural and creative industries; and leveraging the power of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The historic African-Caribbean event is currently underway at the , Marriott Hotel, Georgetown, Guyana and will hear address from the Prime Minister of Guyana Mark Philips
These senior officials from Africa and the Caribbean will be joined by a stellar cast of high-level speakers: including Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman, Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank); Albert Muchanga, African Union Commissioner, Economic Development, Trade, Industry and Mining; and Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General, AfCFTASecretariat.
ACTIF2023 has been structured to provide an important opportunity for Caribbean and African business communities to establish new commercial and strategic relationships which expand trade between the two regions, and to source necessary inputs for the design and manufacture of high-value products.
It will also enhance Government-Business relationships between Africa and the Caribbean, and increase inter-regional trade and investment leads through effective business matchmaking.
There is high-level support for ACTIF2023’s intent to bolster bilateral cooperation and increase engagement in trade, investment, technology transfer, innovation, tourism, culture and other sectors.
ACTIF2023 is also expected to contribute to implementing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and Caribbean trade development agenda, further reflecting the deep-rooted ties between Africa and the Caribbean based on their shared history, culture, common identity and destiny.
The AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum 2023 is being convened by the government of Guyana and Afreximbank in collaboration with the African Union Commission, AfCFTA Secretariat, Africa Business Council, CARICOM Secretariat and the Caribbean Export Development Agency.
