Nigeria to Host Caribbean, African Leaders for High-Stakes Trade, Investment Talks June 25

By Joycelyn Ellakeche Adah

Nigeria is poised to become a melting pot of African and Caribbean leadership as the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) prepares to host its 32nd Annual Meetings (AAM2025) in Abuja from June 25–27, 2025.

The gathering will bring together Heads of State, Prime Ministers, and business heavyweights from across Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond to discuss game-changing trade, innovation, and investment strategies for the continent.

With the theme, “Building the Future on Decades of Resilience,” this year’s edition comes at a crucial moment as African economies navigate shifting global tides with renewed ambition and collaboration.

Confirmed speakers include President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Ambassador Albert Muchanga, African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, among others.

The event is sequel to the successful 2024 edition held in the Bahamas and also marks a return to the continent for what Afreximbank promises will be a catalyst for multi-billion-dollar deals and partnerships.

“This isn’t just another conference it’s about putting signatures to solutions,” said Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank.

“We are in Abuja to take real steps toward stronger institutions, better regional integration, and unleashing Africa’s potential through innovation.”

The forum will also feature Prof. Jeffrey Sachs of Columbia University, Dr. Kishore Mahbubaniof the National University of Singapore, and Africa’s top business voices, including Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote and UBA Chairman Tony Elumelu.

Former Jamaican Prime Minister P.J. Patterson and other CARICOM leaders will join to reinforce growing Africa-Caribbean economic ties.

Beyond the speeches and panels, AAM2025 is expected to deliver real economic outcomes: signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), launching of strategic public-private partnerships, and unlocking of long-term funding—particularly in areas tied to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and cross-border payment systems like the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS).

Thousands of participants from over 80 countries are expected in Abuja, along with international media, as the city temporarily becomes a nerve centre for Africa’s next chapter of trade-driven development.