By Ayomide Otitoju
African and Caribbean economies are positioning to unlock access to a combined $40 trillion market as preparations intensify for the 2026 Africa Caribbean Investment Summit scheduled to hold in Abuja from March 23 to 28.
The Chief of Staff at Aquarium Consult Limited, Ms Serumun Ubwa, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing in Abuja ahead of the second edition of the Aquarium Consult Africa Caribbean Investment Summit (AACIS 26).
Ubwa said the initiative was established to provide a structured platform for African and Caribbean businesses to build partnerships and stimulate cross-border investments.
According to her, the 2026 summit will build on the outcomes of the 2025 inaugural edition, which featured Saint Kitts and Nevis as the focus country. She noted that the maiden edition recorded significant milestones, including what she described as a historic 120-person direct flight from Nigeria to St. Kitts and Nevis — the first of its kind — as well as bilateral meetings between ministries and agencies from both regions.
She added that memoranda of understanding were signed in agriculture and cultural exchange, alongside the securing of a $40 million deep-water port deal.
Ubwa disclosed that AACIS 26 would expand its scope to include two additional events — the Aquarium Consult Africa Caribbean Agriculture and Food Security Summit and the Africa Caribbean Health Summit — aimed at deepening collaboration in critical sectors.
She said the summit is designed to provide direct market access and unlock opportunities across Africa, the Caribbean, and the wider Americas, leveraging the strategic positioning of Nigeria and Caribbean states.
AACIS 26 will feature structured business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) matchmaking sessions covering sectors such as agriculture and food security, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, tourism, the creative economy, digital technology, and energy.
Ubwa observed that trade between Africa and the Caribbean currently accounts for less than one percent of total trade volumes, underscoring the need for stronger economic integration.
In a statement issued after the briefing, Aquarium Consult said the 2026 edition would move beyond diplomatic engagement into what it termed “actionable finance,” with an expanded Investor Deal Room where project developers will present shovel-ready infrastructure and technology ventures to private equity and pension fund managers.
The summit will also introduce an aviation corridor aimed at reducing transit dependency, enhancing cargo movement, and promoting tourism and diaspora-driven trade between both regions.
Managing Director of Aquarium Consult, Aisha Maina, said the initiative is focused on building sustainable economic alliances.
“Africa and the Caribbean need assets, not just aspirations. AACIS 26 is where visionaries and capital converge to co-create a resilient and united future,” she said.
The summit is expected to attract more than 2,000 participants, including former heads of government, investment promotion agencies, multilateral institutions, sovereign wealth funds, and private sector leaders.
