Our inaugural ACSII CORRIDOR PERSPECTIVES session got off to a strong start, with 18 engaged participants joining us for an open and thought-provoking discussion on Africa–Caribbean trade, investment and the opportunity to build a stronger economic corridor.
Importantly, this wasn’t simply a presentation. Participants engaged, asked questions and shared supportive messages, demonstrating a genuine appetite for deeper conversations about how we can move from dialogue to trade, investment and practical collaboration.
Among the issues raised were some important realities that can sometimes be overlooked:
🌍 Culture matters.
Trade relationships aren’t built on economics alone. Understanding culture, history, business practices and consumer behaviour is critical to building trust and successful long-term commercial relationships between Africa and the Caribbean.
📊 Research & marketing matter.
Emerging-market entrepreneurs seeking to enter developed markets need to invest in understanding those markets, their customers, regulations, competition and expectations — and in properly marketing their products and services. Having a good product isn’t enough; the market needs to know why it should buy it.
🧠 Unconscious bias matters.
We also explored how unconscious bias can become an often-unrecognised barrier to effective trade — influencing perceptions of businesses, entrepreneurs, products and markets. Recognising these barriers is an important first step towards overcoming them.
The conversation also touched on:
💰 Mobilising capital
🚢 Trade connectivity & logistics
🏗️ Infrastructure
🌱 Climate & sustainability
💡 Innovation & FinTech
🤝 The role of the diaspora
📈 Turning opportunities into investable projects
NEXT EDITION — FRIDAY 28 AUGUST
Following the encouraging response to our pilot, the next Corridor Perspectives could bring thought leaders and influential voices from Africa and the Caribbean into the conversation.
Different perspectives. Honest conversations. Practical solutions.
The conversation has started. Now let’s build the corridor.
CONNECT. COLLABORATE. INVEST.
View recording here: https://www.youtube.com/live/-WLM4sKJYxo?t=40&is=0iBABtzbXWRPxto1
