A historic meeting in Addis Ababa
CARICOM-Africa 2025 Summit was held on September 7 at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, marking a new phase in the rapprochement between the Caribbean and the African continent. Described as a “return to basics” by CARICOM Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett, the meeting symbolized a shared determination to overcome the divisions inherited from history and strengthen fraternal ties.
Beyond the declarations, this second summit gave concrete expression to commitments ranging from health development and economic cooperation to demands for restorative justice.
Shared heritage and common memory
In his opening address, Dr Barnett reminded us of the importance of this event: “Our peoples have been separated for centuries by the ocean, the colonial system and an unjust world economic order. Yet we remain linked by an indestructible spirit and a common heritage.”
CARICOM-Africa 2025 Summit is part of this collective memory, marked by deportations, slavery and the struggle for emancipation. The Caribbean and African leaders stressed that the African diaspora in the Americas and the Caribbean is a force that must now unite to defend its interests and prepare a common future.
Concrete progress since 2021
This second event follows on from the first 2021 summit, which was held virtually. Since then, several initiatives have been launched. The Memorandum of Understanding between CARICOM and the African Union has established a solid institutional framework. The launch of the Partnership for Health Development in Africa and the Caribbean (HeDPAC) illustrates this dynamic, with an action plan focused on strengthening medical capabilities.
CARICOM-Africa 2025 Summit also highlighted the growing cooperation with Afreximbank, whose Caribbean headquarters have been set up in Barbados. The organization of the Afro-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF)
An ambition focused on restorative justice
One of the main focuses of the CARICOM-Africa 2025 Summit was the issue of reparations. The theme chosen – “A transcontinental partnership in search of restorative justice for Africans and African descendants” – reinforced the legitimacy of this struggle.
The participants recalled that slavery and colonization have profoundly marked the societies of both regions. The CARICOM Reparations Commission, which has been active for over a decade, was highlighted as the spearhead of this mobilization.
Economic and climate issues
CARICOM-Africa 2025 Summit also stressed the need to reform the global financial architecture, in line with the Bridgetown Initiative. The leaders denounced the persistent inequalities of a system that weighs heavily on the countries of the South.
Another key issue is climate change. Although responsible for only 6% of global emissions, African and Caribbean states are bearing the full brunt of its effects. Discussions therefore focused on coordinated responses to protect the most vulnerable populations.
Towards a unified voice on the international stage
Air connectivity was also discussed. A multilateral agreement on air services is in the pipeline, while bilateral initiatives, such as the joint venture between Antigua & Barbuda and Nigeria to relaunch LIAT 2020, aim to boost human and commercial exchanges.
The heads of state and government present stressed the importance of a common voice. Together, Africa and the Caribbean account for a fifth of the world’s population. CARICOM-Africa 2025 Summit called for a coordinated strategy to influence international debates, from UN Security Council reforms to global economic governance and climate negotiations.
This desire for unity is underpinned by a strong Pan-African heritage, inspired by historical figures such as Marcus Garvey, Patrice Lumumba and Kwame Nkrumah.
A founding moment for the future
In closing, the leaders emphasized the founding nature of the CARICOM-Africa 2025 Summit. For Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis and incoming Chairman of CARICOM, this is a “moment of reunion, memory and affirmation”, when repentance is no longer enough and reparations become a legitimate demand.
Through the CARICOM-Africa 2025 Summit, the two regions intend to transform the injustices of the past into levers of solidarity and cooperation. Their common goal: to build a future based on dignity, justice and shared prosperity.
