ACIS 2026 targets $40tn Africa-Caribbean trade with over 2,000 participants in Abuja

L-R: Communications Coordinator, Aquarian Consult, Fatima Idris; Chief of Staff, Aquarian Consult, Serumun Ubwa; Media Professional and Convener of Geopolitics Series, Senator Iroegbu; Head of Corporate Services, Aquarian Consult, Rotkangmwa Gowon; Project Development Manager, Aquarian Consult, Chivegunum Okparaolu

L-R: Communications Coordinator, Aquarian Consult, Fatima Idris; Chief of Staff, Aquarian Consult, Serumun Ubwa; Media Professional and Convener of Geopolitics Series, Senator Iroegbu; Head of Corporate Services, Aquarian Consult, Rotkangmwa Gowon; Project Development Manager, Aquarian Consult, Chivegunum Okparaolu

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

The second Afro-Caribbean Investment Summit (ACIS) in Abuja will target a $40 trillion market spanning Africa, the Caribbean and the Americas, with over 2,000 participants, including heads of government and institutional investors expected from March 23 to 28.

Organisers, Aquarian Consult Ltd, said the event marks a turn toward transaction-based partnerships. Current Africa-Caribbean trade sits below one percent of totals, which ACIS aims to address via a new transatlantic economic corridor.

Chief of Staff of the Consult, Serumun Ubwa told journalists in Abuja that the summit gives African businesses market access through deals and joint ventures. She cited the 2025 edition’s results, which included a direct Africa-Saint Kitts flight, government talks, agriculture and culture MoUs and a $40 million port agreement.

“Those outcomes are evidence that structured engagement between Africa and the Caribbean can deliver tangible economic returns,” Ubwa said.

The 2026 lineup expands with the Afri-Caribbean Agriculture and Food Security Summit from March 23 to 24 and Afri-Caribbean Health Summit on March 26, before the main Investment Summit from March 25- to 28. Ubwa linked the additions to post-2025 discussions, pointing to Caribbean food imports as export chances for Africa and health sector collaboration opportunities.

Matchmaking sessions and an Investor Deal Room will pitch projects to private equity and pension funds, covering agriculture, health, energy, aviation, tourism, tech and more. Aviation efforts seek to ease cargo and travel barriers.

Ubwa said Nigerian firms, including SMEs, stand to gain market access, with youth getting networking exposure. “The goal is to move beyond conversations into transactions,” she said, noting the ongoing 2025 follow-ups and the need for policy support.

Breaking news & top stories

Stay connected with The Sun Newspaper

Get breaking news, exclusive stories, and live updates delivered straight to your phone. Join thousands of readers already following us on Whatsapp Channel and Telegram.

Breaking news & top stories

Follow The Sun Newspaper

Get live updates & exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone.