10 September 2025, The 2nd Africa CARICOM Summit has reaffirmed the deep and historic ties between Africa, the Caribbean and the wider African diaspora. Leaders gathered with a shared commitment to transform the painful legacies of slavery and colonisation into opportunities for unity, cooperation and justice.
Turning History Into Opportunity
The summit emphasised the importance of confronting history while building a better future. Leaders agreed that the shared experiences of slavery, colonial exploitation and displacement should serve as a foundation for stronger unity and coordinated global advocacy.
Key themes included:
- Reparations and Repertory Justice: Calls for a united African and Caribbean voice in seeking fair recognition and redress for historical injustices.
- Global Reforms: Coordinated advocacy for reforms in global financial and political systems to ensure fairer representation for Africa and the Caribbean.
Concrete Steps Announced
Leaders advanced several initiatives to turn cooperation into action:
- Trade and Investment: Expanding opportunities and opening a new AfreximBank office in the Caribbean to strengthen economic ties.
- Health and Development: Launching joint programs to improve healthcare access and sustainable development.
- Youth, Culture, and Innovation: Expanding cooperation in youth engagement, cultural exchange, agriculture and digital innovation.
One United Voice
The summit reaffirmed the importance of presenting one united African and Caribbean voice on the world stage, particularly in areas of global advocacy, justice and economic reforms. Leaders pledged to strengthen mechanisms for coordinated action and deepen partnerships that will benefit both regions.
Leadership and Representation
The summit was attended by heads of state, ministers, and high-level officials from across Africa and the Caribbean. The presiding officer for the session was Mr. Lois Cheick Sissoko, who underscored the importance of building bridges across the Atlantic and fostering lasting partnerships that benefit present and future generations.
A Historic Step Forward
The 2nd Africa CARICOM Summit represents a milestone in global South–South cooperation. It provides a clear roadmap for deepening Africa Caribbean relations through concrete projects, shared advocacy and a commitment to justice and opportunity for all.
Key Takeaways
- Summit: Second Africa–CARICOM Summit
- Focus Areas: Reparations, justice, trade, investment, health, youth, culture, agriculture, digital innovation
- Major Development: AfreximBank opening a Caribbean office
- Outcome: Strengthened Africa–Caribbean unity and one coordinated voice on the global stage
Sources / Accreditation
- CARICOM Secretariat – Official press releases on the Africa–CARICOM Summit
- AfreximBank – Statements on the new Caribbean office
- Regional and international news coverage of the Second Africa–CARICOM Summit
- Read official press release: https://au.int/sites/default/files/pressreleases/45329-pr-PR-_THE_2ND_AFRICA-CARICOM_SUMMIT.pdf
