For the first time in its history, the acclaimed Grow, Unite, Build Africa (GUBA) Awards will be hosted in the Caribbean, with Barbados proudly announced as the host nation for the 2025 edition, scheduled to take place from November 10 to 12.
The 16th edition of the GUBA Awards marks a historic milestone for the GUBA Enterprise, as it expands its global reach and brings its influential celebration of African excellence to the shores of the Atlantic’s western edge. This year’s theme, “Reclaiming Our Atlantic Destiny: Build. Connect. Renew.”, seeks to deepen cultural and economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean, fostering meaningful dialogue and partnerships in trade, investment, and heritage.
“This is more than an awards show, it is a reconnection with the African continent,” said Lady Dentaa Amoateng, President and Founder of GUBA Enterprise. “Barbados offers a symbolic gateway as we renew our shared destiny across the Atlantic.”
The event is being hosted in collaboration with the Government of Barbados, with key support from the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), Invest Barbados, the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), and the Barbados High Commission in Ghana.
“We are so proud to partner with GUBA to make tangible the ongoing discourse about bridging the gap between Africa and the Caribbean,” said Barbados High Commissioner to Ghana, Juliette Bynoe‑Sutherland. “The strong support from agencies in tourism, culture, and investment signals the growing strategic importance of Africa and its diaspora in national development.”
Since its inception, the GUBA Awards have been hosted in the UK, USA, Ghana, and Rwanda, recognising individuals and organisations who drive change and inspire across the African diaspora. Barbados now becomes the first Caribbean nation to welcome the event, a development that has been enthusiastically welcomed by key tourism and cultural leaders.
“Hosting the GUBA Awards is another exciting first for Barbados,” said BTMI Chief Product Development Officer Marsha Alleyne. “This partnership underscores our island’s connection to the African continent and reflects the growing interest from emerging markets. We believe this event will strengthen our cultural ties and increase our visibility to a wider international audience.”
Carol Roberts, CEO of the NCF, added: “This is the perfect time and the perfect year for Barbados and the African diaspora to collaborate. The GUBA Awards will come after we have welcomed the world to Crop Over, CARIFESTA, and just before the Barbados Food and Rum Festival. Believe us when we tell you, there is always something happening in Barbados.”
Highlights of GUBA Barbados 2025 include:
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GUBA Trade and Investment Forum – A two-day conference connecting African and Caribbean business leaders, investors, and policymakers.
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Cultural Showcase – A celebration of Afro-Caribbean creativity, music, fashion, and heritage.
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GUBA Awards Ceremony – An elegant night honouring excellence in leadership, innovation, enterprise, and impact across the diaspora.
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Diplomatic Reception at Ilaro Court – A prestigious gathering at the official residence of the Prime Minister of Barbados, celebrating unity and diplomatic progress.
Past honourees of the GUBA platform include Angélique Kidjo, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Harvey Mason Jr, Bozoma Saint John, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and Wode Maya. Notable guests have included Danny Glover, Sadiq Khan, and Jean-Claude Kassi Brou.
Chartered flight from Accra to Barbados
In a first-of-its-kind offering, visitors from the African continent can secure a seat on an exclusive GUBA charter flight from Accra, Ghana to Barbados. Limited spaces are available. For bookings, visit www.gubaawards.com/travel or email info@gubaawards.com.
GUBA Barbados 2025 promises to be a celebration of heritage, resilience, and reconnection—unifying communities on both sides of the Atlantic.
