Leaders from across the Caribbean have arrived in Addis Ababa to mark the opening of the Second Africa-CARICOM Summit, slated for September 7, 2025. Key dignitaries include Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda, along with counterparts from The Bahamas, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, and Saint Kitts and Nevis. Ethiopian officials warmly welcomed them at Bole International Airport, underscoring the growing diplomatic ties between the regions.

The summit’s agenda is robust and forward-looking. At the African Union Headquarters, heads and representatives from major global financial institutions—including the World Bank, IMF, the African and Caribbean Development Banks, and Afreximbank—are set to attend. Themed “Transcontinental Partnership in Pursuit of Reparatory Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,” the event will explore cooperation across trade, climate action, sustainable development, and reparations. On the eve of the summit, the African Union and CARICOM are hosting a high-level side event on reparations, memory, and sovereignty, as well as a joint health ministers’ meeting under the Health Development Partnership for Africa and the Caribbean (HeDPAC).

At the summit’s opening, CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett described the gathering as a “homecoming”, symbolizing the reunion of people separated by history yet connected by heritage. She emphasized the importance of deepening ties in key areas such as health, media, transportation, trade, and people-to-people engagement. Notable initiatives include the establishment of a Caribbean headquarters for Afreximbank and discussions on a multilateral air services agreement—and the joint venture for LIAT, envisioned to connect Africa and the Caribbean more closely.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also addressed the summit, highlighting the critical importance of partnership and mutual support in confronting shared challenges. He invoked Ethiopia’s legacy of unity and resilience, citing historical victories such as Adwa, and modern accomplishments like the Green Legacy initiative and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). He urged both regions to “speak as one”, pointing out the complementary strengths of Africa’s natural resources and scale, and the Caribbean’s diplomatic agility and resilience.

Further research and sources:

• https://www.fanamc.com/english/caribbean-leaders-arrive-in-addis-ababa-ahead-of-landmark-africa-caricom-summit/