Agriculture is fast becoming the backbone of a renewed economic relationship between Africa and the Caribbean, driven by shared needs and untapped potential. With Africa holding over 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land and the Caribbean importing more than 60% of its food, partnership is taking shape, one that is repositioning agriculture as the foundation of a transatlantic investment and trade corridor focused on food security, value addition and sustainable growth.
Agriculture accounts for nearly 23% of Africa’s GDP and supports over half its population, yet remains underfunded creating strong opportunities for investment in mechanization, finance, and value chains. At the same time, the Caribbean’s reliance on food imports is driving demand for reliable partners, positioning Africa as a key supplier. With agribusiness projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, AACIS 26 emphasizes South-South cooperation, climate innovations, and public-private partnerships aimed at promoting value-added production, climate-smart practices, and agro-industrial development.
“Africa has risen, with people numbering over 2 billion by then, have all of the resources in terms of natural resources, land, arable land, rare earths, energy sources. It means that Africa has the opportunity to be the leaders on this globe in a mere 50 to 70 years”
Terrance Drew, Prime Minister – Saint Kitts and Nevis
Beyond production, the emerging Africa-Caribbean agricultural link is increasingly defined by investment partnerships, technology transfer, and shared strategies to strengthen food systems. The focus is shifting toward building resilient supply chains, reducing import dependency, and unlocking agro-processing industries that can serve both regional and global markets.
“We have taken deliberate steps to strengthen our relationship. We have advanced partnerships, deepened engagement, and embraced South-South cooperation as a strategic pathway to development.”
Terrance Drew, Prime Minister – Saint Kitts and Nevis
With Africa holding over 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land and the Caribbean importing more than 60% of its food, efforts are focused on mobilizing financing, de-risking investments, and expanding rural infrastructure to attract private capital. With stronger policies and market integration, agriculture is evolving from a shared sector into a cornerstone of a competitive Afro-Caribbean economic space—driving jobs, enhancing food security, and reshaping global trade.
