according to a new study by the CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO) unveiled this week in Bridgetown, Barbados. The findings signal a major opportunity to restructure CARICOM’s import supply chains amid growing global trade uncertainty.

 The report, “Africa Union–CARICOM Trade in Goods: Scope and Potential”, was highlighted by Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs, E.P. Chet Greene. Greene warned that rising protectionism, geopolitical instability and persistent supply-chain disruptions are placing disproportionate strain on CARICOM economies, where micro, small and medium-sized enterprises dominate the private sector.

In this context, Greene described deeper Africa–CARICOM economic engagement as a strategic imperative rather than a political aspiration. While successive Africa–CARICOM Summits and the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF) have laid a solid diplomatic foundation, he argued that tangible progress now depends on private sector leadership. “Political leadership establishes the framework, but businesses are the real drivers of trade, investment and job creation”, Greene said, stressing that AfriCaribbean integration must move from policy statements to commercial execution.

Data from the CPSO study suggest that the African Union is well positioned to supply a wide range of competitively priced goods to CARICOM markets. Greater sourcing from Africa could enhance supply-chain resilience while reducing the region’s exposure to external policy shocks in traditional trading partners. However, Greene acknowledged persistent constraints, including limited transport connectivity, high logistics costs and fragmented payment systems. He called for innovative financing mechanisms, improved shipping solutions and digital payment platforms to unlock the partnership’s full potential.

Providing a more granular market perspective, CPSO Chief Executive Officer and Technical Director Patrick Antoine revealed that the study identified up to US$ 1.6 billion in competitive export opportunities for African Union countries. Notably, at least 13 AU states could each supply more than US$ 58 million in non-mineral fuel imports at prices averaging 60 percent below current CARICOM benchmarks.

The analysis shows that CARICOM buyers typically have access to multiple African suppliers, highlighting both the depth and diversity of Africa’s export capacity. Antoine cautioned that shifting global trade policies in major economies make diversification an urgent necessity for CARICOM firms. “At moments like these, the role of the private sector becomes even more vital”, Antoine said, urging businesses to act decisively rather than retreat in the face of global turbulence.

Anthony Ali, CEO of Goddard Enterprises Limited and a member of the CPSO Executive Committee, shared lessons from his company’s engagement with African markets. He emphasized that success often hinges on flexible entry models, including local production partnerships, licensing arrangements and joint branding initiatives. According to Ali, stronger institutional support is essential to overcome financing and logistics challenges.

Additional speakers, including Pamela Coke-Hamilton of the International Trade Centre, Okechukwu Ihejirika of Afreximbank’s Caribbean Office and Amany Asfour of the Africa Business Council, reinforced the need for data-driven collaboration and robust business-to-business networks.