Africa-Caribbean Trade Corridor Could Unlock $1.65 Billion Opportunity by 2030, Report Finds

## Africa-Caribbean Trade Corridor Could Unlock $1.65 Billion Opportunity by 2030 Annual trade in goods and services between Africa and the Caribbean could reach up to **$1.65 billion by 2030**, according to a new report jointly published by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and Afreximbank. The findings were released in St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda, and highlight a significant and largely unrealised commercial corridor between the two regions. The report identifies that approximately **80% of Africa's annual goods export potential to the Caribbean remains untapped**, pointing to structural gaps in trade facilitation, shipping connectivity, and bilateral commercial relationships that have historically limited exchange between the two regions. For the maritime industry, the implications are considerable. Realising even a portion of this trade potential would require meaningful investment in shipping routes, port infrastructure, and logistics networks linking African and Caribbean ports — markets that have traditionally been served through indirect routing via European or North American hubs. Direct shipping services between the two regions remain limited, and freight costs reflect that lack of competition and connectivity. Afreximbank, the pan-African multilateral trade finance institution, has been an active proponent of strengthening South-South trade corridors, and the report aligns with broader efforts to reduce African economies' dependence on traditional trading partners. The Caribbean, for its part, represents a strategically positioned market with strong demand for agricultural products, manufactured goods, and commodities in which several African nations hold competitive advantages. The report was unveiled on the sidelines of a regional trade forum, underscoring growing diplomatic and commercial momentum behind the Africa-Caribbean partnership. Analysts note that unlocking this potential will require coordinated action from governments, development finance institutions, and private sector logistics operators. For shipping lines and port operators, the corridor presents a long-term opportunity to develop dedicated services and intermodal solutions that could serve as a foundation for broader South-South trade growth beyond 2030. *Source: PR Newswire / International Trade Centre (ITC) and Afreximbank joint report, November 2026.*