The acting head of the Africa Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) Caribbean office says scheduled direct flights between Africa and the Caribbean may soon become a reality, as demand grows and conversations progress among regional stakeholders and airlines.
Okechukwu Ihejirika, who leads the Barbados-based office, made the remarks during Afreximbank’s 32nd Annual Meetings (AAM2025) currently underway, adding that the bank is exploring the feasibility of a direct flight between the Caribbean and Algiers for the upcoming Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025), slated for September in Algeria.
“It’s a very interesting topic,” said Ihejirika. “What we see of late is more airlines now trying to talk about that possibility… conversations that were not taking place four or five years ago. So I’m very optimistic that in no distant time we should have a scheduled, regular flight between Africa and the Caribbean.”
Ihejirika stressed that direct connectivity will not only support tourism but will play a key role in the movement of goods, boosting trade between the two regions. Afreximbank has indicated its willingness to finance such ventures if they prove viable.
The discussion around improved air links follows a landmark flight earlier this month, when Nigerian carrier Air Peace completed a 10-hour non-stop charter from Nigeria to St Kitts and Nevis, marking the first time a Nigerian airline landed in the Federation. The historic flight brought delegates to the Afro-Caribbean Business Expo in Basseterre.
St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew hailed the occasion as proof that stronger trade links between Africa and the Caribbean are not just possible, but already taking shape. “Even though it was catalyzed and started by Afreximbank, you can see it’s already extended beyond them,” he said.
As part of its broader strategy, Afreximbank is actively encouraging CARICOM businesses to showcase their goods and services at IATF2025. The bank has also reserved a dedicated “diaspora day” for Caribbean participation, marking a shift from previous editions that focused solely on Africa.
“We are now trying to create a bigger Africa-Caribbean market,” said Ihejirika. “It’s no longer Africa showcasing, but the Caribbean also coming in to say, ‘This is who we are. This is what we have to offer.’”
He believes this integrated approach will create a “demand-meets-supply” ecosystem between the two regions, unlocking untapped potential in trade and investment.
In addition to IATF, Afreximbank will host the fourth AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2025) in St George’s, Grenada from July 28–29. The forum brings together business leaders and policymakers from both regions to discuss ways to deepen commercial ties.
“ACTIF has provided a platform that previously didn’t exist,” said Ihejirika. “Before this, there was no single space where African and Caribbean decision-makers could meet to talk about trade.”
He noted that the last three editions in Barbados, Guyana, and The Bahamas attracted over 6,000 participants and resulted in more than US$202 billion worth of deals.
“We’re now leveraging that momentum to push even further,” he added.
With growing political will, mounting private sector interest, and Afreximbank’s backing, the long-held dream of seamless air and trade links between Africa and the Caribbean appears to be edging closer to takeoff.
