Unlocking Opportunities, Strengthening Relationships and enabling Economic Collaboration in Support of Shared Growth and Prosperity.
The CARICOM Africa Business Forum is a strategic convening platform designed to deepen economic cooperation between the Caribbean and Africa.
The Forum brings together political leadership, business executives, and institutional stakeholders to advance trade, investment, and partnership opportunities across both regions.
The Right Honourable Andrew Holness ~ Prime Minister of Jamaica
Inaugural Event ~ Ensuring Continuity Beyond
The inaugural CARICOM Africa Business Forum took place on 22 November 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa, on the margins of the G20 Summit.
The opening address was delivered by the Right Honourable Prime Minister of Jamaica, in his capacity as Chair of CARICOM, underscoring the Forum’s strategic importance and high-level commitment.
Africa Rising Global supports the Forum by ensuring continuity beyond the event — through structured engagement, follow-up initiatives, and ongoing partnership development.
CARICOM-Africa Business Forum - 22 November 2025 - Highlights
Purpose of the Forum
The Forum exists to:
Strengthen Relationships
Strengthen commercial and institutional relationships between the Caribbean and Africa by fostering direct engagement, mutual understanding, and long-term collaboration.
Advance Trade and Investment Dialogue
Advance informed and constructive dialogue around trade and investment opportunities, with a focus on practical pathways for economic cooperation.
Connect Decision-Makers with Private Sector Opportunities
Connect political and institutional decision-makers with private sector leaders to align policy intent with commercial opportunity and execution.
Create Pathways for Delegations, Missions, and Follow-up Engagements
Create structured pathways for business delegations, trade missions, and follow-up engagements that extend collaboration beyond the Forum itself.
Focus Areas
Trade and market access
Explore opportunities to improve market access and trade facilitation between Caribbean and African economies.
Investment and joint ventures
Support discussions and partnerships that encourage investment flows and the formation of joint ventures across key sectors.
Tourism and the cultural economy
Promote collaboration in tourism and the cultural economy to unlock shared value, exchange expertise, and expand regional offerings.
Innovation and skills development
Encourage cooperation in innovation and skills development to support workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and knowledge exchange.
Agriculture and food systems
Strengthen agricultural cooperation and food systems through shared learning, investment, and sustainable production initiatives.
Infrastructure and development cooperation
Facilitate dialogue on infrastructure development and broader cooperation to support long-term economic and social growth.