St. Kitts and Nevis: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew met with distinguished regional and African leaders on a Presidential Panel on ‘New World Order as an Opportunity for Strengthening Africa-Caribbean Trade, Investment and Cultural Relations’, which was held on Monday, July 28, 2025, at the Radisson Conference Centre in Grenada.
Reportedly, the session was moderated by CNN Anchor – Zain Asher and was proceeded with collecting remarks from Dr. George Elombi, Incoming President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank.
PM Drew made a compelling appeal for the elimination of visa barriers between Africa and the Caribbean during the engaging panel discussion. Considering that, Drew underscored the immediate impact on trade and investment.
Dr. Drew stated that two investors are supposed to sign with them as an investment in St. Kitts and Nevis through the Afreximbank. He said that one of them could not be present here because he needs a visa, and it is already affecting their business directly.
Prime Minister further emphasized that visa requirements present a significant obstacle to deepen economic and cultural cooperation, even as St. Kitts and Nevis who are offering visa-free access to several African countries which includes Nigeria too.
PM Drew said that they have been welcoming Nigerian medical students and diving students for years. He said that Kittitians and Nevisians still need visa to travel to Nigeria. And, this is what they are currently discussing with high-level officials in Nigeria.
The panel at the gathering reflected a shared commitment to redefine global alliances and unlocking new opportunities for collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean. The discussion particularly included topics such as greater mobility, reciprocal trade policies and mutual investment frameworks.
Notably, ACTIF2025 continues to serve as a transformative platform for fostering strong and lasting ties between the two regions under the theme – Resilience and Transformation: Enhancing Africa-Caribbean Economic Cooperation in an Era of Global Uncertainty.
The high-level discussion formed part of the fourth AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2025) and brought together Heads of Government from across the Caribbean and Africa which included Prime Minister of Barbados – Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia – Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda – Gaston A. Browne, President of Guyana – Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister of Dominica – Roosevelt Skerrit and Minister of Trade & Industry of the Republic of Rwanda – Prudence Sebahizi who represented President Paul Kagame.
Earlier, on July 27, 2025 evening, heads of delegations and key stakeholders gathered for a welcome cocktail party ahead of the official opening of the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2025) in St. George’s Grenada. The reception provided a relaxed setting for regional and international leaders to connect, exchange ideas and set the tone for two days of high-level dialogue and collaboration.
The evening featured remarks from Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah – GCON, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Afreximbank, who reflected on the progress of Africa-Caribbean relations and reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to building sustainable economic partnerships.
Furthermore, Prime Minister of Grenada – Dickon Mitchell, welcomed delegates and emphasized the importance of ACTIF2025 in shaping a resilient and transformative future. Founder, Managing Director and Member of the Board of Range Developments – Mohammed Asaria also addressed attendees, highlighting the vital role of private investment in advancing development across both regions.