The Aquarian Consult Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit (AACIS 2025) opened in Abuja, Nigeria, on 25th March under the theme “Bridging Continents: Africa and the Caribbean – A Partnership for Prosperity.” The summit’s first day was marked by an inspiring keynote address from the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrance Drew, who officially declared the event open.
The summit, aimed at strengthening economic and cultural ties between Africa and the Caribbean, featured remarks from prominent leaders, including former President of the Republic of Mauritius, Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, and high-ranking African and Caribbean officials. However, the highlight of the opening session was Prime Minister Drew’s impassioned call for deeper investment, innovation, and solidarity between the two regions.
A Call for Unity and Shared Prosperity
“This summit is more than an assembly of minds. It is a declaration of intent. Africa is not a distant relative to the Caribbean; it is our mother. And today, we are not just visiting; we are returning—with purpose, with vision, and with an unwavering belief in what we can achieve together,” Dr. Drew declared.
He emphasised the need for economic transformation through strategic partnerships and highlighted St. Kitts and Nevis’ bold investments in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, financial reform, and a reimagined Citizenship by Investment programme.
“We are moving steadily toward a future where our electricity grid is powered primarily by clean, renewable energy from beneath our very feet,” he said, referencing the Federation’s ambitious geothermal project. “This project is not just a solution for St. Kitts and Nevis—it is a model for small island developing states and African nations with similar geophysical capacity.”
Strengthening Economic and Cultural Ties
Beyond investment, Dr. Drew underscored the importance of financial sovereignty and cultural linkages. “Let us not only seek capital—let us design it, control it, and direct it to where it can have the most transformative impact,” he stated, calling for deeper collaboration between Africa’s creative industries and the Caribbean’s cultural sectors.
Industry Leaders Engage in Transformational Dialogue
Following the keynote, Sanya Alleyne, representing the St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce, joined a panel discussion on Afri-Caribbean investment opportunities. She highlighted the vast potential for trade, tourism, and entrepreneurial collaboration, particularly in emerging industries and through diaspora engagement.
Premier of Nevis, Mark Brantley, also delivered an impactful presentation on the St. Kitts and Nevis Island Climate Enhancement Project (SKNICE). He showcased the Federation’s leadership in renewable energy, particularly through geothermal initiatives, and outlined the role these advancements play in fostering climate resilience and energy independence.
A Summit of Opportunity
The AACIS 2025 summit continues over the next two days, featuring high-level discussions on economic partnerships, climate resilience, and strategic investment. With a focus on fostering sustainable growth and shared prosperity, the event is set to solidify the foundation for a new era of Afri-Caribbean collaboration.
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