Keypoints:
- St Kitts targets African and global capital
- Afreximbank expands $5bn Caribbean push
- PM Drew pitches federation as trade hub
SAINT Kitts and Nevis will host the third edition of the Investment Gateway Summit in June 2026 as the Caribbean federation seeks African and global capital amid expanding ties with African Export-Import Bank, which is advancing a $5bn Caribbean financing programme.
According to an official release from summit organisers, the event will bring together entrepreneurs, policymakers, institutional financiers and business leaders to explore opportunities in tourism, renewable energy, fintech and infrastructure development.
The summit reflects growing efforts by Caribbean and African economies to strengthen South-South commercial partnerships and reduce dependence on traditional Western financing channels.
Drew pitches federation as trade gateway
Prime Minister Terrance Drew said the summit was designed to deepen international engagement with the federation and open new commercial opportunities.
‘The Summit is an opportunity for investors to deepen their engagement with St. Kitts and Nevis and unlock new avenues for collaboration and networking,’ Drew said in remarks published by organisers.
In a separate message on the official Investment Gateway Summit platform, Drew described the gathering as ‘a global stage where ideas spark innovation, partnerships drive progress, and investments shape a sustainable future’.
He added: ‘Together, let’s build a future of opportunity, resilience, and shared success.’
Officials say the event is intended to strengthen the country’s international business profile while attracting long-term financing into sectors including hospitality, real estate, agriculture and digital infrastructure.
Afreximbank deepens Caribbean presence
Momentum around the summit has also been boosted by the recent agreement between the government and Afreximbank to host the fifth AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum, known as ACTIF2026, in Basseterre later this year.
Africa Briefing previously reported that ACTIF2026 will take place in Basseterre from July 29 to 31, bringing together government officials, investors and private sector leaders from across ‘Global Africa’.
Speaking after the hosting agreement was signed, Drew said: ‘We are not just a beautiful destination; we are a gateway for investment, a hub for enterprise, and a proud partner in the renaissance of Africans.’
He added that the forum would ‘serve as a catalyst for trade and investment, creating new opportunities for our people and businesses’.
According to Afreximbank, more than $700m in financing has already been approved across Caribbean economies covering tourism infrastructure, climate adaptation projects, SME development and energy initiatives.
The bank has also increased its broader Caribbean financing commitment from $3bn to $5bn as it expands trade and investment cooperation with CARICOM member states, part of a wider trend of alternative investment partnerships reshaping emerging markets.
Caribbean economies seek diversification
Regional governments are increasingly pursuing new financing relationships and trade corridors as they seek to diversify beyond traditional tourism revenues and external aid dependence.
Countries including Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica and Grenada have intensified efforts to attract international business partnerships and infrastructure financing in recent years.
Analysts say the growing Africa-Caribbean cooperation agenda reflects wider geopolitical shifts as developing economies seek more independent commercial and financial frameworks.
The twin events highlight a broader shift as Caribbean governments deepen commercial ties with African financial institutions and South-South investment networks.
