Prime Minister, the Honourable Gaston Browne departed Antigua and Barbuda on Thursday to attend the Second Africa–CARICOM Summit, scheduled to take place from September 6–8, 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The Summit, convened under the theme “Transcontinental Partnership in Pursuit of Reparatory Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,” is expected to bring together Heads of Government from Africa and the Caribbean, alongside international partners, to advance cooperation in political, economic, social, and cultural spheres.
Prime Minister Browne will join fellow leaders in addressing key areas, including:
- Reparatory Justice: Advancing a unified call for reparations for Africans and people of African descent.
- Economic and Social Development: Expanding opportunities in trade, education, health, culture, and tourism between Africa and the Caribbean; and
- Global Advocacy: Strengthening joint positions on reform of international financial institutions, debt sustainability, and climate change resilience.
The Summit builds on the first Africa–CARICOM Summit held virtually in 2021, which laid the groundwork for deeper engagement between the two regions.
This year’s in-person meeting is expected to result in a Joint Communiqué and Declaration on Reparatory Justice, reaffirming the shared commitment of Africa and the Caribbean to unite their voices in the pursuit of justice and sustainable development.
Prime Minister Browne will also participate in several side events, including a high-level session on reparations, restitution, and cultural heritage resources, and an engagement with the Caribbean diaspora in Ethiopia.
He will be participating alongside African and Caribbean leaders, including H.E. João Lourenço, President of Angola and Chair of the African Union; H.E. Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia; and Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of CARICOM.
Ahead of his departure, Prime Minister Browne underscored the significance of the Summit, describing it as “An historic opportunity to deepen ties with our African brothers and sisters, advance the cause of reparatory justice, and strengthen collaboration on issues such as climate resilience and debt reform that are critical to the survival and prosperity of small states like Antigua and Barbuda.”
Prime Minister Browne, who has been a consistent and outspoken advocate for reparatory justice, will join regional and continental leaders in advancing the case for reparations as a legal, moral, and developmental imperative.
He has repeatedly argued that reparations are essential to addressing the historical injustices of slavery and colonization and to creating sustainable opportunities for future generations across Africa and the Caribbean.
In advance of the Summit, Prime Minister Browne stated: “For too long, our peoples have carried the burdens of history without receiving justice. Reparations are not only about redress for past wrongs, but about building a more equitable future.
At this Summit, Antigua and Barbuda will continue to raise its voice for justice, dignity, and fairness for all people of African descent.”
The Prime Minister will also highlight his government’s commitment to building stronger bonds between the peoples of Africa and the Caribbean.
Under his leadership, Antigua and Barbuda has supported initiatives to expand trade, cultural exchange, educational cooperation, and diaspora engagement, all aimed at uniting the two regions through shared heritage and common purpose.
Prime Minister Browne emphasized: “The Africa–Caribbean relationship is one of family. Our histories are intertwined, and our futures must be built together.
This Summit provides us with the opportunity to transform solidarity into action by deepening cooperation and forging a united front on global issues such as climate change, debt reform, and sustainable development.”
The Honourable Sir Steadroy Benjamin has assumed the role of Acting Prime Minister and will perform the duties of the office until Prime Minister Browne returns on Wednesday, 10th September. (Ends)
