- Bank Highlights US$5 Billion Caribbean Financing Facility and Expands Opportunities for Trade, Investment and Economic Growth
The African Export-Import Bank, Afreximbank, has reinforced its commitment to strengthening economic cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean through a high-level roadshow held in Nassau, The Bahamas, aimed at unlocking new investment opportunities, expanding trade relations, and supporting sustainable economic development across the region.
Held on 29 May under the theme “Investing in Progress Through the Implementation of the Afreximbank Mandate in The Bahamas,” the event brought together senior government officials, private sector leaders, financial institutions, entrepreneurs, and development stakeholders to explore avenues for deeper collaboration between Africa and The Bahamas within the framework of the Bank’s Global Africa strategy.
The roadshow forms part of Afreximbank’s broader mission to foster stronger commercial, financial, and cultural ties between Africa and the Caribbean, building on existing achievements while identifying new pathways for shared prosperity and economic resilience.
Afreximbank Unveils Major Financing Opportunities for The Bahamas and the Caribbean
A key highlight of the event was the Bank’s announcement that its Board of Directors had approved a financing facility of up to US$5 billion for the Caribbean region, including The Bahamas.
The landmark financing commitment underscores Afreximbank’s determination to advance the objectives of the Global Africa agenda by facilitating greater trade flows, investment partnerships, infrastructure development, and private sector growth between African and Caribbean economies.
The financing facility is expected to provide businesses, governments, and institutions across the Caribbean with improved access to capital, helping drive economic diversification, job creation, industrial development, and long-term economic transformation.
Bahamas Prime Minister Highlights Need for Inclusive Growth
The event was officiated by the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, the Honourable Philip Davis, who emphasized the importance of ensuring that economic growth translates into broader participation and opportunities for citizens.
According to Prime Minister Davis, access to finance remains a critical enabler for entrepreneurship, business expansion, and sustainable national development.
He noted that institutions such as Afreximbank have an important role to play in strengthening access to capital for Bahamian businesses and communities while supporting the country’s wider economic development agenda.
The Prime Minister also stressed the growing importance of regional and international cooperation at a time when economies around the world continue to face uncertainty, disruption, and evolving global economic challenges.
Afreximbank Records Over US$170 Million in Investments in The Bahamas
Speaking during the roadshow, Afreximbank representatives highlighted the Bank’s growing footprint in The Bahamas and its commitment to supporting key sectors of the national economy.
According to Mr. Ihejirika, Afreximbank has, within less than three years of operations in the CARICOM region, facilitated approximately US$140 million in infrastructure financing through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements in The Bahamas.
In addition, the Bank has provided US$30 million in financing support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), helping businesses access capital, expand operations, and contribute to economic growth.
The combined investments of approximately US$170 million demonstrate Afreximbank’s strategic focus on strengthening infrastructure, enhancing economic resilience, supporting entrepreneurship, and creating opportunities for businesses and communities across The Bahamas.
Strengthening the Global Africa Agenda
The Nassau roadshow provided a platform for Afreximbank to showcase its comprehensive range of financing, advisory, trade facilitation, and investment solutions available to businesses, governments, and financial institutions operating in The Bahamas.
The initiative aligns with the Bank’s vision of creating a more integrated Global Africa ecosystem by connecting African and Caribbean markets, fostering investment partnerships, facilitating trade, and encouraging knowledge exchange across both regions.
As economic relations between Africa and the Caribbean continue to deepen, Afreximbank is increasingly positioning itself as a key catalyst for South-South cooperation, regional integration, and sustainable development.
Key Stakeholders Back Expanded Africa-Caribbean Collaboration
The event attracted strong participation from government officials and private sector leaders, including the Honourable Michael B. Halkitis, Minister of Finance; the Honourable Ginger M. Moxey, Minister for Grand Bahama; Mr. Atario Mitchell, President of the Bahamas Striping Group of Companies; and Mr. Kino Simmons, Managing Director of CAT Island Development Company.
Their participation reflected growing interest within The Bahamas in leveraging Afreximbank’s financing instruments, strategic partnerships, and development expertise to accelerate investment, stimulate economic activity, and strengthen links with African markets.
A New Chapter for Africa-Caribbean Economic Cooperation
As Afreximbank expands its presence across the Caribbean, the Nassau roadshow signals a new phase in Africa-Caribbean relations—one driven by increased investment, stronger trade partnerships, infrastructure development, and private sector growth.
With a US$5 billion financing facility now available for the region and growing investments already making an impact in The Bahamas, Afreximbank is positioning itself as a leading institution in advancing economic integration between Africa and the Caribbean while supporting sustainable and inclusive growth across both regions.
