Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Rwandan President Paul Kagame Explore Opportunities to Expand Africa-Caribbean Trade and Cooperation

Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Rwandan President Paul Kagame have held discussions on expanding trade and investment between Africa and the Caribbean, as Antigua and Barbuda continues to host the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of CHOGM 2026 at Jumby Bay Island on November 3, with both leaders exploring opportunities to strengthen relations between their countries and encourage closer cooperation between the two regions.

Browne, who is also serving as Commonwealth Chair-in-Office, emphasised the importance of building stronger economic ties with Africa, describing the continent as a natural partner for the Caribbean.

He encouraged greater engagement between African and Caribbean businesses, including efforts to identify products and services that could create mutually beneficial commercial opportunities.

The Antiguan and Barbudan leader also pointed to the changing geopolitical environment, saying developing countries should strengthen relationships with reliable partners and traditional allies. He argued that current global challenges present opportunities for countries of the Global South to deepen cooperation and establish stronger economic partnerships.

Both leaders acknowledged shared interests in advancing the priorities of developing countries and small states, particularly in addressing climate change, strengthening international cooperation and pursuing reform of the United Nations.

Browne reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s willingness to support Rwanda on matters of mutual interest, including international candidatures, and assured Kagame that the country would remain a reliable partner.

President Kagame, in turn, congratulated Browne on Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of CHOGM 2026 and expressed his government’s interest in building closer relations with the country and the wider Commonwealth.

The discussions also touched on Zimbabwe’s efforts to secure readmission to the Commonwealth. Browne expressed support for pursuing the matter through a structured process and indicated Antigua and Barbuda’s willingness to back the position being advanced.

The engagement forms part of broader diplomatic discussions taking place during the four-day Commonwealth summit, which has brought together leaders from across the organisation to consider trade, investment and shared development priorities.

The meeting highlighted the interest of both countries in translating their shared interests and Commonwealth ties into stronger commercial relationships, practical cooperation and greater coordination on international issues.