Africa, Caribbean Must Strengthen Trade, Investment Links – Grenada PM

Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell, has called for stronger economic and cultural cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean, urging both regions to deepen trade and investment ties beyond symbolic relations.

Mitchell made the call during the African Liberation Day celebration themed “African Rooted, Diaspora Rising, Identity Reclaiming,” where he stressed that both regions share a common history, identity and future that must be translated into practical collaboration.

According to him, Africa and the Caribbean must move beyond rhetoric and build concrete partnerships in trade, investment, culture and diplomacy that deliver tangible benefits to their people.

“We must deepen cooperation in trade and investment by expanding economic partnerships between our nations and create opportunities for businesses and innovation,” he said.

He reaffirmed Grenada’s commitment to strengthening relations with African countries, noting that Nigerians in Grenada were already contributing meaningfully to that growing partnership.

Mitchell also said that although Grenada is a small island nation, it remains confident in its identity and its role within the global African family.

“Though Grenada may be small in size, we are not small in identity, courage and commitment to building a modern nation with Africa,” he stated.

He further noted that African Liberation Day commemorates the formation of the African Union and reflects the broader struggle against colonialism across Africa and the diaspora.

However, he warned that despite past gains, both Africa and people of African descent still face challenges such as economic inequality, political instability and underdevelopment, calling for renewed collective action.

Also speaking, founder of the Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation, Dr Esther Tonlagha, said Africa represents strength and future potential, urging deeper collaboration between Africa and Caribbean nations in trade, education and investment.

She emphasised the need for leadership that delivers measurable impact, noting that her foundation prioritises empowerment, access and sustainability.

Tonlagha also urged Africans to take ownership of their narratives, stressing that collective effort remains key to driving long-term development across both regions.