Conference Agenda
10th – 12th November
Day 1
GUBA Trade & Investment Forum 2025
Date: Monday, 10th November 2025
Venue: Wyndham Grand Barbados
Hosts: Invest Barbados & GUBA Enterprise
Title Partner: (To Be Announced)
Supported by: Office of the Prime Minister of Barbados
DAY 1
Monday, 10th November 2025
08:30 – 09:00
Registration & Networking Breakfast
Welcome coffee & light breakfast.
Delegates collect programme packs and connect with peers.
The exhibition area opens for early partner engagement.
09:00 – 09:15
Opening Ceremony & Welcome Remarks
Delivered by Invest Barbados & GUBA Enterprise.
09:15 – 09:40
Keynote Addresses – “Reclaiming Our Atlantic Destiny: Connect, Build, Renew”
Keynote Speakers:
- Government of Barbados – TBC
- Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa – Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Republic of Ghana
09:40 – 10:25
Plenary Session 1 – Investment, Leadership & Policy: Unlocking FDI and Diaspora Capital
Discussion Points:
- National investment strategies and competitive positioning for attracting large-scale, high-return projects.
- Ministerial insights on legal and regulatory frameworks to encourage long-term investor confidence.
- Innovative diaspora investment mechanisms: bonds, pooled funds, and venture partnerships.
- Structuring public–private partnerships that align with development priorities.
- Coordinating across ministries and agencies to ensure efficiency in investment facilitation.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Yaw Amoateng Afriyie – Former Deputy CEO, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre & CEO, Resilience Ltd
Panellists:
- Liban Soleman – Finance Expert & Government Advisor
- Kaye Greenidge – CEO, Invest Barbados
- H.E. Dr. Richard A. Nixon – Senior Resident Ambassador, Government of Grenada; Ambassador-Designate to the African Union & Chairman, Grenada Investment Development Corporation
- Ronke Ogunsulire – Regional Manager for the Caribbean, IFC
- Alex Apau Dadey – Executive Chairman, KGL Group
- Oliver Jordan – Co-Founder & Managing Director, Caribbean Strategic Advisors
10:25 – 11:10
Plenary Session 2 – Finance & Banking: Building the Capital Base for Growth
Discussion Points:
- Expanding access to capital through regional financial integration.
- The role of development finance institutions in catalysing investment.
- Scaling fintech solutions to reach underserved markets while improving efficiency.
- Creating cross-border finance vehicles for joint Africa–Caribbean projects.
- Building investor confidence through transparent governance and strong financial infrastructure.
Moderator:
- Kaye Greenidge – CEO, Invest Barbados
Panellists:
- Hon. Reta Jo Lewis – Former Chairman & President, US EXIM Bank
- Dr. Kevin Greenidge – Governor, Central Bank of Barbados
- George Thomas – CEO, Sagicor Bank
- Okechukwu Ihejirika – Ag. Chief Operating Officer, Caribbean Office, Afreximbank
- Gregory Samuels – SVP, Head of Investment Banking and Origination. Sygnus
- Kevin Simmons – General Partner- Alpha Fund, LoftyInc Capital Management
11:10 – 11:25
Coffee & Exhibition Break
11:10 – 11:25
Special Ceremony – MOU Signing: Strengthening Africa–Caribbean Commercial Ties
Session Type: Commemorative Signing & Remarks
Participants:
- Paul Inniss – President, Barbados Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI)
- Stephane Abass Miezan – President, Ghana National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GNCCI)
Overview:
This special ceremony marks a historic milestone in advancing Africa–Caribbean business collaboration. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Barbados Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) and the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GNCCI) represents a shared commitment to deepen trade, investment, and enterprise linkages across the Atlantic.
Session Highlights:
- Formal welcome and framing remarks on the strategic importance of inter-chamber partnerships.
- Statements by both Presidents, underscoring opportunities for bilateral trade, knowledge exchange, and private sector collaboration.
- Official signing ceremony of the MOU between BCCI and GNCCI, witnessed by delegates and media.
- Photo opportunity and commemorative exchange of documents.
Significance:
This MOU embodies the spirit of “Reclaiming Our Atlantic Destiny” — bridging two dynamic regions through commerce, innovation, and shared prosperity.
11:25 – 12:00
Tourism, Connectivity & Investment: Building Seamless Pathways for Growth
Session Focus:
Exploring how integrated tourism and transport strategies can unlock new markets, drive sustainable development, and strengthen Africa–Caribbean linkages. This session brings together leaders in hospitality, aviation, and destination management to discuss how improved connectivity and digital innovation can position the region as a global tourism powerhouse.
Discussion Points:
- Integrated Tourism & Transport Planning: Coordinating infrastructure, air, and sea routes to enhance accessibility and visitor experience.
- Sustainable Development & Community Impact: Ensuring tourism growth delivers measurable benefits for local communities.
- Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs): Financing models for modernising ports, airports, and tourism infrastructure.
- Cultural Assets & Events: Leveraging heritage, festivals, and global events to boost arrivals and investment.
- Digital Transformation: Harnessing data, AI, and analytics to deliver personalised travel and hospitality experiences.
- Multi-Destination Packages: Creating Africa–Caribbean travel circuits that deepen economic and cultural exchange.
Moderator:
Dr. Tonye Rex Idaminabo – Chief Partnership Officer, Elevate Africa & Strategic Partner, Air Sierra Leone
Speakers:
- Andrea Franklin – CEO, Barbados Tourism & Marketing Inc.
- Javon Griffith – Chairman, Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association
- Hadley Bourne – CEO, Grantley Adams International Airport
- Eunice Adjei Bonsu – CEO & Founder, CapeMay properties
12:00 – 12:30
Fireside Chat – The Power Code: Turning Culture into Capital
Session Overview:
A dynamic exchange between Kwame Anku, CEO of the Black Star Fund, and John Hope Bryant, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Operation HOPE. Together, they unpack how financial literacy, cultural pride, and cross-Atlantic collaboration can unlock new pathways to wealth and ownership for the global African and Caribbean diaspora.
The session calls on U.S. African Americans and the wider diaspora to rediscover their roots, understand their collective economic leverage, and transform culture into capital that builds enduring prosperity.
Key Themes:
- Financial Literacy as Freedom: Empowering individuals with tools to control capital and close the economic divide.
- Heritage as Leverage: Using identity and shared history as a foundation for economic unity and resilience.
- Turning Culture into Capital: Transforming creativity, community, and influence into scalable enterprises.
- Generational Wealth Across the Atlantic: Building bridges between Africa, the Caribbean, and the U.S. for shared prosperity.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Kwame Anku – CEO, Black Star Fund
- Guest: John Hope Bryant – Founder, Chairman & CEO, Operation HOPE
12:30 – 13:20
Networking Lunch – Hosted by Invest Barbados
Open networking across all delegates and partners
13:20 – 13:50
Reparations, Justice & Economic Renewal: Building a Shared Future
Panel Discussion
As the global movement for reparatory justice gains momentum, this session examines how nations, institutions, and communities of African descent can move beyond dialogue towards tangible economic redress and structural transformation. It will explore innovative pathways that connect historical accountability with present-day investment, policy reform, and wealth creation across the Atlantic.
Key Discussion Points:
Reframing reparations beyond compensation — towards systemic economic repair and empowerment.
The role of governments, civil society, and multilateral institutions in advancing reparative policies.
Legal and diplomatic frameworks for accountability: from advocacy to implementation.
Mobilising diaspora capital and philanthropy as instruments of justice and renewal.
Building cross-Atlantic partnerships that link reparation funds to development, education, and enterprise.
Confirmed Speakers:
Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP – Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Reparations in the UK
Ben Crump ESQ – Black America’s Attorney General
Adwoa Coleman – Member of the African Union Committee on Reparations
Dr. Epsy Campbell Barr – Former Vice President, Costa Rica
13:50 – 14:20
Panel – Manufacturing the Future: Green Industrialisation and the Life Economy GIGA initiative
Session Overview:
Introduced by Mark Hill, CEO of Export Barbados, this session explores how green industrialisation, innovation, and strategic investment can transform the Caribbean and Africa into globally competitive manufacturing hubs.
Key Discussion Points:
- Attracting Sustainable FDI: Mobilising investment into high-growth sectors such as agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, and green technology.
- The Life Economy Model: Leveraging ocean, bio, and design-based industries to drive innovation, value creation, and export growth.
- Technology Transfer & Skills Development: Building workforce capacity and innovation ecosystems through industrial collaboration and design thinking.
- Regional Value Chains & Nearshoring: Strengthening Africa–Caribbean manufacturing linkages to enhance export readiness and reduce import dependency.
Speakers:
- Opening Remarks: Mark Hill – CEO, Export Barbados
Panellists:
- Mark Hill – CEO, Export Barbados (BIDC)
- Hon. John Dumelo – Deputy Minister of Food & Agriculture, The Republic of Ghana
- Tsonam Akpeloo – Chief Executive Officer, SUKU Technologies Limited & Chairman, Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) Greater Accra Region
14:20 – 14:50
Panel – Healthcare: Building Resilient and Investable Health Systems
Session Overview:
Introduction by: Neil Clark – CEO, Queen Elizabeth Hospital
The need for African–Caribbean collaboration in healthcare system strengthening and innovation. Workforce exchange, digital interoperability, and resilient supply chains as pillars for sustainable regional health systems. Inviting policymakers, investors, and health leaders to co-create cross-border centres of excellence and partnership frameworks.
Key Discussion Points:
- Opportunities in medical tourism and investment in specialised healthcare facilities.
- Expanding telemedicine services to improve access in remote areas.
- Structuring PPPs for hospital upgrades, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and diagnostic services.
- Workforce development partnerships to address skills shortages.
- Regional health procurement strategies to improve supply chain efficiency and cost savings.
Speakers:
- Dr. Velma Scantlebury-White – Professor & Surgeon
- Ian Jackson – Director, Sir Clive Lloyd Healthcare Foundation
- Henderson Pinder – Director of Nursing Services, Queen Elizabeth Hospital
14:50 – 15:25
Panel – Sport: Investing in Talent and Infrastructure
Key Discussion Points:
- Financing the construction and upgrade of sports facilities.
- Developing athlete training programmes and talent exchange initiatives.
- Hosting major international sports events to drive tourism and investment.
- Building commercial partnerships with global sports brands.
- Creating sport-linked community development and health initiatives.
Speakers:
- Panellists:
- Chris Dehring – CEO, Cricket West Indies (CWI)
- Clare Akamanzi – Chief Executive Officer, NBA Africa
- Pat Kamara – President, Antonio Rüdiger Foundation
- Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah – NFL player, Philanthropist & Founder of GFAF & NKWA
15:25 – 15:40
Coffee & Exhibition Break
15:40 – 16:15
Spotlight Session – Education, Creativity & Innovation: Building the Talent Base for the New Economy
Session Overview:
Featuring The Hon. Chad Blackman, Minister for Transformational Education, this integrated spotlight and panel explore how education, technology, and the creative industries are converging to power the future of work. The discussion highlights Barbados’ bold education reforms and the shared Africa–Caribbean ambition to monetise culture, foster innovation, and equip the next generation with future-ready skills.
Key Discussion Points:
- Aligning education systems with emerging industries, creative enterprise, and digital transformation.
- Expanding digital, vocational, and creative training to fuel innovation ecosystems.
- Financing models for film, music, fashion, and digital content industries.
- Building co-production and distribution partnerships across Africa and the Caribbean.
- Strengthening IP protection and creative infrastructure to attract investment.
- Investing in the creative economy as a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable growth.
- Forging Africa–Caribbean knowledge partnerships for the future of work.
Moderator:
Liz Agbor-Tabi Oton – Vice President, Global Policy, Global Citizen
Speakers:
- Hon. Chad Blackman – Minister for Transformational Education, Government of Barbados
- Mary Spio – CEO & Founder, CEEK AI
- King SMADE (Dr. Adesegun Adeosun Jr.) – CEO & Founder, SMADE Entertainment & Co-Founder, Afronation
- Tola Odunsi – Nigerian Filmmaker, Producer & Director, UrbanVision 360
16:15 – 16:45
Panel Discussion – Diaspora Capital: Conversations with the Diaspora
Session Overview:
A powerful, solutions-driven conversation that challenges the global African and Caribbean diaspora to move from cultural connection to collective investment and economic collaboration. This session explores how storytelling, digital influence, and cross-border partnerships can unlock new capital flows, businesses, and opportunities across the Atlantic.
Key Themes:
- From Inspiration to Investment: Turning cultural pride and digital reach into tangible enterprise, trade, and ownership.
- Mobilising Diaspora Capital: Pooling resources through funds, remittances, and co-investment vehicles that strengthen Africa-Caribbean ties.
- Storytelling as Economic Strategy: Using media, technology, and community platforms to connect investors and entrepreneurs.
- Call to Action: Establishing a Diaspora Investment Network—a community of creators, professionals, and investors committed to driving measurable projects within the next 12 months.
Moderator
Lady Dentaa Amoateng MBE – Founder & President, GUBA Enterprise
Speakers:
- Wode Maya – Global Content Creator & Diaspora Influencer
- Eric V. Guichard – Founder, Homestrings
- Dorothy M. Davis – President, Dorothy M. Davis Strategic Consulting
- Donna Graham – Co-Founder, DeeCruz Global Ventures, Inc.
- Riki Bleau – Founder & Co-President, Since 93 Records, Founder, Bleu Magic Rum
16:45 – 17:00
Special Announcement – Launch of “Connecting One Million Women in Trade (C1WT)”
Key Highlights:
- Barbados becomes the first Caribbean country officially onboarded in the C1WT network.
- Call for women-led associations, educational institutions, MSMEs, and NGOs to enrol.
- Rollout of local pilot programmes for capacity building and trade facilitation.
Speaker:
Dr. Ky Dele – Principal, Connecting One Million Women in Trade (C1WT)
17:00 – 17:30
Cross-Sector Collaboration Panel – Building Transformational Partnerships
Discussion Points:
- Structuring joint venture agreements between African and Caribbean entities.
- Aligning investment projects with national development plans for maximum impact.
- Building consortium approaches for large-scale infrastructure, tourism, and energy projects.
- Mobilising blended finance from government, diaspora, and private capital sources.
- Ensuring long-term partnerships through governance, transparency, and performance metrics.
Moderator:
Dr. Sherry-Ann Dixon – International Motivational Speaker & Transformational Coach
Panellists:
- Sam Barrington – Former NFL Linebacker & CEO, Sky Limit Crane & Rigging
- Dr. Milton Mattox – CEO, US Artificial Intelligence Institute
- Tredesha Howard – Vice President, JP Morgan Private Client, JP Morgan Chase & Founder, Impactful Reflections LLC
17:30
Closing & Key Takeaways
Summary of actionable investment opportunities identified during the day.
Commitments for follow-up through trade missions and bilateral talks.
Closing remarks from GUBA Enterprise & Invest Barbados.
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