Barbados is known worldwide as a top Caribbean hub for major business ventures and long-term investments, especially in sectors such as energy and infrastructure. Which offer strong opportunities for investors, gaining the island a well-earned reputation for consistently punching above its weight.
This was recently showcased at the London Trade & Investment Soirée on 27th March at Barbados House in London. Co-hosted by the Barbados High Commission (UK) and the African Caribbean Sustainability & Investment Initiative (ACSII), the event gathered investors, diplomats, and development professionals for what organisers called a curated meeting of “genuine capital deployers.”
Barbados High Commissioner H.E. Edmund Hinkson kicked off the event, stressing the pressing need for the initiative. He noted that many smaller nations now recognise that the current global climate calls for stronger South-South economic cooperation.
One of the evening’s goals was to boost South-South economic ties by focusing on capital investment and infrastructure development instead of traditional diplomacy. An approach that will help ACSII work more closely with Caribbean and African High Commissions, shifting from advocacy to action.
In his keynote speech, ACSII Chairman David F. Roberts emphasised that ACSII serves as an investment platform.
He said, “The biggest challenge for the Caribbean and Africa is not a lack of opportunity, but limited access to capital and investment-ready projects.”
Framing the event in a historical context, he pointed out the growing global recognition of past injustices and the strengthening ties between Africa and the Caribbean. He voiced support for Cuba and emphasised the Nigeria-Caribbean Trade Corridor as a promising route to economic growth.
Roberts also outlined four key sectors in Barbados that align with national priorities: tourism and hospitality; education and skills training; manufacturing and energy; and real estate and commercial development. As well as noting that ACSII’s Deal Room has facilitated investment opportunities totalling more than USD 130 million in the past year, spanning five main sectors: energy and climate, agri-food, logistics, tourism, and digital infrastructure.
He stated that ACSII reduces entry barriers, motivates partners to enhance engagement in strategic sectors, and identifies the diaspora as significant facilitators of capital flow. The mission of ACSII is to convert potential into measurable results, transform dialogue into agreements, and strengthen resilience by addressing vulnerabilities.
In his closing remarks, David Roberts said, “Barbados is a stable, well-managed market with strong investment opportunities across sectors such as energy, tourism, education, and real estate.”
Tony Sealey OBE, Special Envoy for Inward Investment and Diaspora Affairs, presented Barbados as a strong investment destination, emphasising its political stability and international reputation. He reiterated that Barbados is seeking capital for infrastructure, energy, and other key sectors.
Élan Mottley Harris, BTMI UK Director, encouraged attendees to consider Barbados as a destination for long-term investment. Julia Hope from Invest Barbados presented a list of projects, including university campuses, luxury resorts, and conference centres.
Africa Global Business Chamber President Irene Ibadin highlighted emerging plans to establish trade routes between Ghana and Barbados. If realised, this initiative could serve as a model for broader commercial integration.
Barbados is known worldwide as a top Caribbean hub for major business ventures and long-term investments, especially in sectors such as energy and infrastructure. which offer strong opportunities for investors, gaining the island a well-earned reputation for consistently punching above its weight.
This was recently showcased at the London Trade & Investment Soirée on 27th March at Barbados House in London. Co-hosted by the Barbados High Commission (UK) and the African Caribbean Sustainability & Investment Initiative (ACSII), the event gathered investors, diplomats, and development professionals for what organisers called a curated meeting of “genuine capital deployers.”
Barbados High Commissioner H.E. Edmund Hinkson kicked off the event, stressing the pressing need for the initiative. He noted that many smaller nations now recognise that the current global climate calls for stronger South-South economic cooperation.
One of the evening’s goals was to boost South-South economic ties by focusing on capital investment and infrastructure development instead of traditional diplomacy. An approach that will help ACSII work more closely with Caribbean and African High Commissions, shifting from advocacy to action.
In his keynote speech, ACSII Chairman David F. Roberts emphasised that ACSII serves as an investment platform.
He said, “The biggest challenge for the Caribbean and Africa is not a lack of opportunity, but limited access to capital and investment-ready projects.”
Framing the event in a historical context, pointing out the growing global recognition of past injustices and the strengthening ties between Africa and the Caribbean. He voiced support for Cuba and emphasised the Nigeria-Caribbean Trade Corridor as a promising route to economic growth.
Roberts also outlined four key sectors in Barbados that align with national priorities: tourism and hospitality; education and skills training; manufacturing and energy; and real estate and commercial development. As well as noting that ACSII’s Deal Room has facilitated investment opportunities totalling more than USD 130 million in the past year, spanning five main sectors: energy and climate, agri-food, logistics, tourism, and digital infrastructure.
In conclusion, Barbados is a stable, well-managed market with strong investment opportunities across sectors such as energy, tourism, education, and real estate.
Stating that ACSII reduces entry barriers, motivates partners to enhance engagement in strategic sectors, and identifies the diaspora as significant facilitators of capital flow. The mission of ACSII is to convert potential into measurable results, transform dialogue into agreements, and strengthen resilience by addressing vulnerabilities.
Tony Sealey OBE, Special Envoy for Inward Investment and Diaspora Affairs, presented Barbados as a strong investment destination, emphasising its political stability and international reputation. He reiterated that Barbados is seeking capital for infrastructure, energy, and other key sectors.
Élan Mottley Harris, BTMI UK Director, encouraged attendees to consider Barbados as a destination for long-term investment. Julia Hope from Barbados presented a list of projects, including university campuses, luxury resorts, and conference centres.
Africa Global Business Chamber President Irene Ibadin highlighted emerging plans to establish trade routes between Ghana and Barbados. If realised, this initiative could serve as a model for broader commercial integration.
Deputy High Commissioner Mackie Holder
Deputy High Commissioner Mackie Holder stated that the High Commission and ACSII were engaged in two years of discussions to attract genuine investors to the event. He concluded by inviting ACSII to coordinate Trade Missions from Africa to Barbados in late 2026 and 2027, highlighting this initiative as a principal outcome of the evening.
