Prime Minister Gaston Browne left Antigua and Barbuda on Thursday to attend the Second Africa–CARICOM Summit, which takes place September 6–8 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The summit, being held under the theme “Transcontinental Partnership in Pursuit of Reparatory Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,” will bring together leaders from Africa and the Caribbean to strengthen political, economic, social, and cultural ties.

Prime Minister Browne is expected to join counterparts in discussions on reparatory justice, trade, education, health, tourism, debt sustainability, climate resilience, and reform of international financial institutions. The gathering builds on the inaugural Africa–CARICOM Summit held virtually in 2021, which set the stage for deeper collaboration between the two regions.

In addition to plenary sessions, Browne will participate in a high-level dialogue on reparations, restitution, and cultural heritage, as well as meet with the Caribbean diaspora in Ethiopia. Leaders attending include Angolan President João Lourenço, Chair of the African Union; Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed; and CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett.

Speaking before his departure, Browne described the summit 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.”

In his absence, Sir Steadroy Benjamin will serve as Acting Prime Minister until Browne’s return on September 10.