Caribbean News
Afreximbank CARICOM office opened in Barbados
Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
#Barbados, August 14, 2023 – The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), CARICOM office was officially opened in Bridgetown Barbaods cementing the Bank’s efforts to promote and develop trade between Africa and the Caribbean, in line with its diaspora strategy and the African Union’s designation of the African diaspora as Africa’s
sixth region.
Benedict Oramah, president and chairman of the board of directors of Afreximbank, was speaking at the official opening event on August 4th, 2023 and he referred to this move as an aiding factor critical to facilitating operations of the bank in the Caribbean Community.
The office will make sure that Afreximbank’s products and initiatives are closer to the business community, as well as gaurantee faster operations to create fortified relations with the Governments in the region towards the pursuit of mutually identified priorities.
He also said, “With the launch of the CARICOM office, we look forward to a smooth implementation” of trade and access to finance initiatives, “broader business origination across the CARICOM, and more impactful results from our partnership….We also look forward to Afreximbank subsidiaries [finding] homes in CARICOM, especially the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), PAPSS and AfrexInsure. Over time, CARICOM and African financial systems will become better integrated for the benefit of our people.”
Mia Mottley, Barbados prime minister also spoke at the event and she said, “This is not just a proud moment historically, but it is also a move that makes sense,” that will “benefit our regional private sector and our regional state-owned corporations who need access to a more empathetic, reasonable [bank] and one willing to take risks…that would allow our people to move and grow to the next level.”
Additonally, she pointed out that the establishment of the office is in line with promises made by the bank during the first AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum held in Barbados in 2022.
Furthermore, Mottley highlighted the strong relationship between Africa and the Caribbean referring to the loyalty
Africa has displayed towards the region. She referred to the assistance through the African Medical Supplies Platform during the COVID-19 pandemic. She expressed that Africa welcomed the Caribbean Community and facilitated access to equipment, therapeutics and vaccines, with the payment mechanism facilitated through Afreximbank.
The office wasn’t the only new development under Afreximbank. In December of 2022, Afreximbank approved a US$1.5-billion funding to allow member states of CARICOM that had ratified the Partnership Agreement with Afreximbank, to have access to the bank’s various financial instruments.
However, since July 11, 2023, 11 of the 15 CARICOM member states signed the partnership with Afreximbank, and now the financing will be put towards supporting critical economic sectors aimed at boosting the development of trade-enabling infrastructure, as well as improving trade and investments between Africa and the CARICOM member states, while supporting small and medium enterprises. Additionally, the bank also made a commitment to increase the credit limit to US$3 billion.
The bank will support the implementation of the Partnership Agreement between Afreximbank and CARICOM member states, aimed at expanding Africa-Caribbean trade and investment relations.
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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