The second Africa-CARICOM Summit was held September 6–7 at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, under the theme “Transcontinental Partnership in Pursuit of Reparatory Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparation.”
The meeting brought together leaders, delegates and advocates from across Africa and the Caribbean to reaffirm historic ties and strengthen cooperation in political, economic, social and cultural spheres.
Participants reviewed the progress made since the inaugural summit in 2021, including the establishment of the Afro-Exim Bank office in the Caribbean, described as a foundation for boosting trade and investment between the two regions.
Delegates also put forward new proposals. Among them, direct air links between Africa and the Caribbean, expanded business and public sector partnerships, and initiatives to support collaboration in energy, digital technology, agriculture and the green economy. The summit also highlighted the need to deepen educational, artistic and sporting exchanges, and a proposal was made to institutionalise a Council of Youth, along with the African Union and CARICOM, as a permanent consultative body.
Discussion also centred on shared global challenges, including climate change, food insecurity, geopolitical instability and forced migration, all of which disproportionately affect African, Caribbean and other Global South countries.
Speaking on behalf of CARICOM, St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terence Drew underscored the historical connections between the two regions. He noted that while those links were forged through oppression and the violation of human rights, the Caribbean remains proud of its record of solidarity with Africa, including its support for Pan-African advocacy, the anti-apartheid movement, and strengthened cultural ties.
Drew added that current global events underscore the importance of coordinated action between Africa and the Caribbean.
Organisers described this year’s summit as a step toward translating commitments into tangible initiatives aimed at advancing peace, climate resilience and sustainable development for African and Caribbean people.
