Browne Sets Target for Antigua and Barbuda to Break into World’s Top 40
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has pledged to propel Antigua and Barbuda into the ranks of the world’s top 40 countries within the next three years, setting out an ambitious vision for the nation’s future.
Speaking at the launch of the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS), Browne pointed to the country’s steady rise on the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI), where it currently sits in the early 50s and holds the highest position in the Caribbean.
“Education is the engine of transformation,” the Prime Minister told the audience. “By investing in institutions like ABCAS, we are ensuring that every citizen can play a meaningful role in building a modern, inclusive, and globally competitive Antigua and Barbuda.”
Education as the Cornerstone
Browne reaffirmed his government’s target of ensuring that at least half of the population achieves a college or university degree, describing education as the foundation of the country’s growth strategy. He argued that the launch of ABCAS will serve as a catalyst for producing the skilled workforce needed to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s global standing.
Path to Global Competitiveness
The Prime Minister noted that the country’s current ranking around 52nd or 53rd place on the HDI already places it within striking distance of the world’s top quartile. With continued investment in education, infrastructure, and international partnerships—including long-standing cooperation with the People’s Republic of China—he expressed confidence in surpassing the 50-mark and advancing into the top 40.
“In the next two to three years, that ranking will increase,” Browne said. “We will certainly fall below 50, and we are well on the path to becoming one of the top 40 nations in the world.”
