The African Export-Import Bank, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), has reinforced its commitment to Jamaica’s economic development following it’s first-ever roadshow in Kingston, signaling a deeper push to expand trade, investment and industrial cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean.
Held on the 2nd of June, 2026, under the theme “Empowering Jamaica’s Growth: Catalysing Trade, Investment and Industrialisation through Tailored Afreximbank Solutions,” the event brought together government officials, business leaders and financial institutions to explore new opportunities for economic collaboration. The engagement follows Jamaica’s signing of a partnership agreement with Afreximbank in 2025 and the bank’s approval of a US$5 billion financing facility for Caribbean countries, including Jamaica.
As for many Jamaican businesses, the roadshow provided a first-hand introduction to Afreximbank’s financing, trade facilitation and investment offerings. It also created a platform for local stakeholders to outline the country’s development priorities, financing gaps and investment opportunities, helping the bank shape solutions tailored to Jamaica’s economic needs.
Addressing participants, Fayval Williams emphasized the growing importance of the Africa-Caribbean partnership, noting that stronger engagement with Afreximbank could unlock new avenues for trade, investment and business expansion between Jamaica and African markets.
Afreximbank executives highlighted industrialisation as a critical pathway to long-term economic resilience. Eric Monchu Intong pointed to the bank’s experience supporting industrial parks, special economic zones and manufacturing projects across Africa, arguing that similar models could help Jamaica reduce reliance on imports, create jobs and expand value-added exports.
Beyond financing, the initiative reflects a broader effort to strengthen economic links across the African diaspora. As global supply chains shift and developing economies seek new growth partners, Jamaica’s engagement with Afreximbank is increasingly viewed as part of a wider strategy to build stronger commercial ties between Africa and the Caribbean, fostering investment, entrepreneurship and shared economic opportunities across both regions.
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