About Us /
A New Era of South-South Trade
Africa and the Caribbean are bound by history, culture, and geography—yet their economic relationship remains vastly underdeveloped. Despite shared historical ties and complementary economies, bilateral trade between the two regions has never exceeded 6% of their combined trade capacity. This represents one of the greatest missed opportunities of the 21st century.
The Africa Caribbean Business Forum exists to close this gap. We are the institutional bridge connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and institutions across these two dynamic regions, transforming trade from conversation into concrete transactions. From agriculture and energy to technology and financial services, ACBF creates the infrastructure for lasting economic partnership and shared prosperity.
The opportunity is clear: Africa-Caribbean trade is projected to grow from $729 million today to $2.1 billion by 2029—a nearly threefold increase driven by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and CARICOM regional integration initiatives. The question is not whether this growth will happen, but who will lead it.
Why Africa and the Caribbean Need Each Other
Complementary Strengths, Shared Prosperity
Natural Resources & Minerals Africa possesses critical minerals essential for global supply chains—cobalt, lithium, rare earths—representing approximately 8% of government revenues in resource-rich countries.
Agricultural Powerhouse With over 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, Africa is positioned to become a major global food exporter with diverse agricultural products.
Emerging Technology Sector Africa’s tech ecosystem is one of the world’s fastest-growing, with fintech innovation leading the way in solving real problems for millions.
Economic Resilience Real GDP growth is projected to rise to 3.7% in 2024 and consolidate at 4.3% in 2025, with high-growth nations leading the way.
Caribbean’s Competitive Advantages
Strategic Geographic Location The Caribbean sits at the intersection of North America, South America, and Africa—reducing shipping times and logistics costs for regional commerce.
Financial Services Excellence Sophisticated financial services infrastructure including banking, investment management, and capital markets expertise for scaling operations.
Tourism & Hospitality Excellence World-class hospitality and customer service capabilities that translate to business process outsourcing and professional services.
Logistics & Maritime Infrastructure Caribbean ports and maritime expertise position the region as a natural hub for regional trade and commerce facilitation.
The Partnership That Works What Africa Offers the Caribbean Raw materials and agricultural products for processing and re-export Investment capital from growing African institutional investors Technology solutions and fintech innovation Access to African markets (1.4 billion consumers) What the Caribbean Offers Africa Capital and financial expertise for scaling African businesses Access to North American and international markets Proven business process outsourcing and service delivery models Logistics and maritime infrastructure for trade facilitation
Why Us /
From Conversation to Transaction
Every Africa Caribbean Business Forum program is designed around three strategic pillars that move trade from dialogue to deals.
We facilitate the first point of contact between complementary businesses through matchmaking events, digital platforms, and targeted networking forums. Whether you are an African manufacturer seeking Caribbean distribution partners or a Caribbean service provider looking to enter African markets, ACBF connects you with the right partners.
We deepen relationships through structured dialogue, workshops, and facilitated discussions. Our programs help partners explore opportunities, align interests, understand regulatory environments, and build the trust necessary for long-term partnerships.
We support the closing of deals through deal facilitation, capital unlocking mechanisms, and structured commerce support. From letters of credit to trade finance to regulatory guidance, Africa Caribbean Business Forum provides the infrastructure for transactions to happen.
FOCUS AREAS
Africa Caribbean Business Forum concentrates on sectors where Africa and the Caribbean have the greatest complementarity and highest trade potential.
Priority Sectors
Agribusiness & Food Security
Processing, export, and value-added agricultural products.Energy & Resources
Renewable energy, oil & gas, and infrastructure developmentFinancial Services
Banking, investment, insurance, and capital marketsTechnology & Digital Services
Fintech, digital services, and innovation solutionsTourism & Hospitality
Hospitality expertise and destination developmentManufacturing & Value-Added Production
Maritime infrastructure and supply chain solutionsThe Institutional Platform for Africa-Caribbean Commerce
Market Development
Sector-specific analyses helping entrepreneurs understand where the real opportunities lie.List item Network Building
Connecting businesses, investors, and institutions through events, forums, and digital platforms. Deal Facilitation
Supporting the entire deal process from initial negotiations to contract finalization.
Ready to Build a Bridge?
Whether you are an entrepreneur seeking new markets, an investor looking for opportunities, a government body promoting regional trade, or a trade organization advancing commerce—the Africa Caribbean Business Forum is your gateway to Africa-Caribbean commerce.
get in touch
Whether you are an entrepreneur seeking new markets, an investor looking for opportunities, a government body promoting regional trade, or a trade organization advancing commerce—the Africa Caribbean Business Forum is your gateway to Africa-Caribbean commerce.
get in touch