Prime Minister of Tanzania Dr .Kassim Majaliwa has emphasized that the 'Fourth Africa-Caribbean Trade' and Investment Forum (ACTIF) should address the business and investment challenges faced by African and Caribbean nations.
"There is a great need to solve the problem that hinder business and investment between African countries" he added.
His remarks came during a panel discussion with heads of state at the forum's opening on July 28, 2025, held at the Radisson conference center in St. George’s, Grenada, where he represented President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Majaliwa pointed out that beyond identifying challenges, countries should create 'favorable conditions ' to attract investment and support investors interested in their markets, citing Aliko Dangote's significant investment in a cement factory in Tanzania as a prime example.
Other leaders participating in the discussion included Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerritt of Dominica, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados, Prime Minister Gaston A. Browne of Antigua and Barbuda, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre of St. Lucia, and Rwanda's Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi.
ACTIF aims to enhance economic and cultural cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean, and over the past three years, it has facilitated strengthened partnerships between public and private sectors, resulting in agreements worth over four billion US dollars, thereby fostering the idea of a formal trade zone between the two regions.
Grenada's Prime Minister, Dickon Thomas Mitchell, emphasized the need to formalize resources and strengthen economic platforms, particularly in trade and investment between Africa and the Caribbean.
He added that this initiative is crucial for ensuring that the youth recognize that the growth of their nations hinges on the economic decisions made today, highlighting the importance of enhancing cooperation in economic and trade matters between Africa and its diaspora.
Also, Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of AFREXIMBANK, added that the platform should establish institutions capable of accelerating development. He mentioned ongoing efforts to establish a Caribbean Bank, which he believes will significantly facilitate business operations and industrial development, similar to AFREXIMBANK's impact in Africa.
The ACTIF initiative aims to strengthen the historical and cultural ties between Africa and the Caribbean, create a conducive environment for trade and investment, and stimulate joint economic development. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Shariff Ali Sharriff, Minister of State in the Office of the President for Labor, Economy, and Investment of Zanzibar, and Wilbroad Kayombo, the Acting Ambassador of Tanzania to Cuba, Central America, and Venezuela.