Barbados has established itself as a leading Caribbean destination for significant business ventures and long-term investments. The island is particularly recognised for its robust opportunities in sectors such as energy and infrastructure, earning a reputation for consistently exceeding expectations and delivering strong returns for investors.
These attributes were highlighted at the recent London Trade & Investment Soirée held on 27th March at Barbados House in London. The event was co-hosted by the Barbados High Commission (UK) and the African Caribbean Sustainability & Investment Initiative (ACSII). It attracted a diverse group of investors, diplomats, and development professionals, and was described by organisers as a curated gathering of “genuine capital deployers.”
Barbados High Commissioner H.E. Edmund Hinkson opened the proceedings, underlining the urgent need for the initiative. He observed that many smaller nations are recognising the necessity for enhanced South-South economic cooperation, given the current global climate.
One of the key objectives for the evening was to strengthen South-South economic ties. The event moved beyond traditional diplomacy, concentrating instead on capital investment and infrastructure development. This approach is intended to enable ACSII to collaborate more closely with Caribbean and African High Commissions, transitioning from advocacy to tangible action.
In his keynote speech, ACSII Chairman David F. Roberts emphasised ACSII’s role as an investment platform. He stated, “The biggest challenge for the Caribbean and Africa is not a lack of opportunity, but limited access to capital and investment-ready projects.”
Roberts framed the event in a historical context, noting the growing global awareness of past injustices and the strengthening relationship between Africa and the Caribbean. He expressed support for Cuba and highlighted the Nigeria-Caribbean Trade Corridor as a promising avenue for economic growth.
Roberts identified four priority sectors in Barbados: tourism and hospitality; education and skills training; manufacturing and energy; and real estate and commercial development. He also reported that ACSII’s Deal Room has facilitated investment opportunities exceeding USD 130 million in the past year, spanning five main sectors: energy and climate, agri-food, logistics, tourism, and digital infrastructure.
Barbados was presented as a stable, well-managed market, offering strong investment prospects across sectors such as energy, tourism, education, and real estate. ACSII plays a vital role in lowering entry barriers, encouraging partners to increase engagement in strategic areas, and recognising the diaspora as important facilitators of capital flow. ACSII’s mission is to turn potential into tangible outcomes, convert dialogue into agreements, and build resilience by addressing vulnerabilities.
Additional Presentations and Initiatives
Tony Sealey OBE, Special Envoy for Inward Investment and Diaspora Affairs, reinforced Barbados’s strengths as an investment destination, citing its political stability and international reputation. He reiterated the country’s ongoing search for capital in infrastructure, energy, and other critical sectors.
Élan Mottley Harris, BTMI UK Director, encouraged attendees to consider Barbados as a destination for long-term investment. Julia Hope from Invest Barbados shared a list of projects, including university campuses, luxury resorts, and conference centres.
Irene Ibadin, President of the Africa Global Business Chamber, discussed emerging plans for establishing trade routes between Ghana and Barbados. If realised, this initiative could serve as a blueprint for broader commercial integration.
Deputy High Commissioner Mackie Holder revealed that the High Commission and ACSII had engaged in two years of discussions to attract authentic investors to the event. He concluded by inviting ACSII to organise Trade Missions from Africa to Barbados in late 2026 and 2027, marking this initiative as a principal outcome of the evening.
