ACSII / Barbados Trade & Investment Soirée Strengthens Africa–Caribbean Investment Corridor
Black News 
ACSII / Barbados Trade & Investment Soirée Strengthens Africa–Caribbean Investment Corridor
The African Caribbean Sustainability & Investment Initiative (ACSII), in collaboration with the Barbados High Commission, successfully hosted the ACSII / Barbados Trade & Investment Soirée, convening senior diplomats, investors, and business leaders to advance trade and investment collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean.
In his remarks, H.E. Edmund Hinkson, High Commissioner for Barbados, applauded the initiative as both timely and strategic, noting that the current geopolitical climate underscores the urgent need for greater South–South collaboration.
Deputy High Commissioner Mackie Holder reflected on two years of engagement with David F. Roberts, expressing satisfaction with the high calibre of participants, including investors and high-net-worth project stakeholders. He extended an invitation to ACSII to collaborate with the High Commission in facilitating trade missions from Africa to Barbados.
Derrick Cobbinah, ACSII Deputy Chair, reinforced the importance of South–South cooperation and highlighted the need for viable transport links between Africa and the Caribbean, referencing proposals by Malaikair. He also encouraged participants to join ACSII to benefit from its expanding ecosystem.
Representing the private sector, Irene Ibadin, President of the Africa Global Business Chamber (AGBC), expressed pride in the partnership with ACSII and highlighted the potential for new trade routes between Ghana and Barbados.
Tony Sealey OBE, Special Envoy for Inward Investment & Diaspora Affairs, emphasised Barbados’ readiness for investment, citing its stability, strong governance, and globally respected leadership, and reaffirmed that “Barbados is open for business.”
From a market development perspective, Elan Mottley-Harris, Director UK at the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., encouraged attendees to view Barbados not only as a premier tourism destination but also as a hub for investment opportunity.
Further detailing investment prospects, Julia Hope of Invest Barbados highlighted a diverse pipeline of opportunities, including university campus developments, ultra-luxury resorts, and conference centre projects, offering long-term investment potential.
Delivering the keynote, David F. Roberts, Chairman of ACSII, positioned the initiative as a platform that mobilises capital, builds bankable project pipelines, and delivers development finance solutions across Africa and the Caribbean. He announced the launch of the ACSII Academy, aimed at strengthening investment readiness and project development capacity.
Referencing recent global recognition of historical injustices and emerging Africa–Caribbean connectivity, he underscored a new era of partnership and opportunity. He also expressed solidarity with Cuba, highlighting the importance of resilience and cooperation among small states.
Mr Roberts concluded by advancing the Nigeria–CARICOMTrade Corridor as a practical pathway to scale trade, investment, and long-term economic transformation.
About ACSII
The African Caribbean Sustainability & Investment Initiative (ACSII) is a platform dedicated to mobilising capital, facilitating trade, and building sustainable investment pipelines between Africa and the Caribbean.
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In photo: L-R Mackie Holder, Deputy High Commissioner; H.E. Edmund Hinkson, High Commissioner of Barbados; and David F. Roberts, Chairman, ACSII
