PM Browne Calls for Reparations and Stronger Africa–Caribbean Ties at Addis Ababa Summit

Prime Minister Gaston Browne used the 2nd Africa–CARICOM Summit in Addis Ababa to press for concrete action on reparations, trade, education, and direct connectivity between Africa and the Caribbean.

Speaking at the African Union headquarters, Browne described reparations not as a plea but as a demand for fairness and justice.

He argued that the wealth of the Global North was built on the forced labour of Africans and their descendants, and that reparations should take the form of investment in education, health, technology, climate resilience, and cultural renewal.

“This is not about race or division—it is about justice,” Browne declared. “Reparations are the foundation of justice upon which we must build our future.”

The Antiguan leader also warned that the greatest obstacle to progress is not resources or skills, but political will. He urged African and Caribbean leaders to move beyond symbolic gestures to bold action.

Trade, Education, Connectivity
Browne identified three key areas where the Africa–Caribbean partnership must move forward: trade, youth and education, and connectivity.

He highlighted the potential of a combined market of 1.5 billion people but noted that trade between the two regions remains minimal. He called for a preferential trade agreement to unlock opportunities for African goods such as grains and textiles, and Caribbean exports like rum, sugar, spices, and creative products.

On education, Browne proposed the establishment of an Africa–Caribbean Academic Network to facilitate student exchanges, joint degrees, and research collaboration.

Perhaps most urgently, he pressed for direct air links between the regions, suggesting that even a single weekly flight could transform ties.

“Connectivity is the glue that binds partnership into reality,” he said, urging states to consider subsidizing routes if necessary.

A Call to Action
Browne closed with a strong appeal for unity and courage. “Our ancestors endured bondage without choice. We, their descendants, now hold the power to choose. Will we wait for validation from others, or will we chart our own destiny?” he asked.

The Prime Minister envisioned Africa and the Caribbean standing “not as victims of history but as architects of the future,” connected by trade, culture, and shared determination.

The summit, hosted by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, brought together African and Caribbean leaders under the theme of deepening political and economic cooperation between the two regions.