Dozens of Commonwealth Leaders Descend on Antigua During Global Political Turbulence
Leaders will weigh new trade, finance and digital links as a survey found only 10% of African firms and 12% of Caribbean firms trade across the regions.
- On Sunday, Commonwealth leaders convened in Antigua for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, representing 2.7 billion people and aiming to boost intra-Commonwealth trade and investment amid global economic pressures.
- Global challenges including rising costs, climate change, and what Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey called the "weaponization of tariffs" threaten local economies, prompting leaders to seek diversified markets and resilience against geopolitical shocks.
- Data from 1,175 surveyed businesses shows 82% of Caribbean firms and 79% of African firms reported positive trading experiences, though freight costs on African exports to the Caribbean reach nearly 20% and Caribbean exports to Africa face costs approaching 22%.
- Officials plan to establish a fund providing digital skills to about 10 million young adults and another to assist nations transitioning to renewable energy; Caribbean leaders have also requested slavery reparations discussions during the four-day meeting.
- Improving Africa-Caribbean trade links remains central to the summit's agenda, with leaders prioritizing sustainable investment through strengthened creative industries and efficient cross-border payment systems to retain more economic value within local economies.
22 Articles
22 Articles
The Toronto Star
Dozens of Commonwealth leaders descend on Antigua during global political turbulence
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Leaders representing nearly a third of the world’s population are meeting on the tiny Caribbean island of Antigua this week to strengthen ties during a time of global political upheaval.
A Divided World: A Commonwealth Opportunity - The Voice St. Lucia News
When Commonwealth leaders gather in Antigua and Barbuda from 1 to 4 November, they should address a question that reaches beyond their association: how can countries of different size, wealth and outlook sustain cooperation in a world increasingly driven by confrontation?
Africa: From Commonwealth Connections to Economic Opportunity - Expanding Africa–Caribbean Trade Linkages
Guest Column - When Commonwealth leaders gather in Antigua and Barbuda this November, they will confront rising trade tensions, geopolitical shocks and supply chain disruption alongside longstanding challenges, such as high debt, limited affordable finance, climate exposure and poor connectivity.
100 Years since the Formation of the Commonwealth: An X-ray
By Sola Jaiyesimi As leaders of the Commonwealth converge on the Caribbean island nation of Antigua and Barbuda this weekend for a 5-day long meeting with the theme, “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth,” the bloc’s relevance continues to be a talking point a century on. The Balfour Declaration at the 1926 Imperial …
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