President Paul Kagame of Rwanda recently held talks with leaders from four Caribbean countries to expand cooperation in various sectors. The meetings took place on the sidelines of the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda from November 1 to 4. This move aims to strengthen Rwanda's relationships with Caribbean nations.
Kagame met with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness on November 2, focusing on health, defence, tourism, trade, and investment. Holness stated that the meeting identified new areas of cooperation and development between the two countries. Additionally, Kagame met with Antigua and Barbuda's Prime Minister Gaston Browne, the Bahamas' Prime Minister Philip Davis, and St Vincent and the Grenadines' Prime Minister Godwin Friday on November 3.
The engagements with Caribbean leaders centred on bilateral relations and opportunities to expand economic and development cooperation. Although no specific agreements or investment commitments were announced, these meetings mark a significant step in Rwanda's efforts to enhance its partnerships with Caribbean countries. The discussions also explored ways to strengthen cooperation in various sectors.
During the summit, Kagame called for greater investment in developing economies, challenging the perception that investing in the Global South carries greater risks. He argued that risks exist in all markets and can be managed through cooperation and the pooling of resources. The Commonwealth, he said, could help countries work together to unlock investment opportunities.
Kagame also stressed the importance of market integration, strong institutions, and policies that connect the public and private sectors. He made these remarks during a high-level panel on November 2, alongside Holness and Samoa's Deputy Prime Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioʻo. The panel discussed the need for investment to drive development, create jobs, and equip young people with skills.
In addition to his meetings with Caribbean leaders, Kagame held talks with World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. They discussed Rwanda's partnership with the WTO, regional trade and investment, market access for businesses, and adding value to critical minerals. These discussions highlighted the importance of international cooperation in promoting trade and investment.
The 28th CHOGM brought together leaders from the Commonwealth's 56 member countries to discuss trade, investment, climate resilience, and sustainable development. Rwanda was represented at the ministerial level by Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe. As a member of the Commonwealth since 2009, Rwanda continues to play an active role in the organisation.
Key points
- Kagame seeks to expand Rwanda's cooperation with Caribbean countries in trade, investment, and tourism.
- The 28th CHOGM focused on trade, investment, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
- Kagame calls for greater investment in developing economies, challenging the perception of higher risks in the Global South.
