ST JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda — Prime Minister Gaston Browne has held talks with a senior delegation from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) on financing opportunities for public and private-sector projects, as the Government looks to turn its partnership with the institution into tangible development outcomes.

The discussions on Thursday focused on possible investment in national development projects, trade links between Africa and the Caribbean, and the range of financial support available through the bank.

Browne said Antigua and Barbuda was among the first countries to sign a partnership agreement with Afreximbank, but had not yet accessed financing under the arrangement.

He indicated that the Government wanted to advance the partnership by presenting viable projects for the bank’s consideration.

He also pointed to the potential for stronger Africa-Caribbean commercial ties, particularly as Commonwealth countries work towards increasing intra-Commonwealth trade to approximately US$2 trillion by 2030.

The Prime Minister raised the importance of competitive interest rates, saying more favourable terms could make the bank’s financing facilities more accessible to borrowing countries.

The Afreximbank delegation outlined several instruments available to support development, including concessional financing, equity investment and project preparation assistance.

It said the bank’s shareholders had approved a concessional financing window, which had received US$250 million in funding at the time of the meeting.

The facility is intended to blend financing and lower the overall cost of funding for eligible projects. The bank is recruiting staff and pursuing further fundraising to support its operations.

The delegation also highlighted the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), which provides equity capital for development-focused investments, and a project preparation facility designed to help move proposals from the conceptual stage towards bankability.

Beyond traditional infrastructure financing, Afreximbank outlined its support for creative industries, including film, fashion and gastronomy, with opportunities for young people. Its areas of involvement also include industrial parks, seaports and airports.

The delegation said the bank often works with other development finance institutions to structure major projects and mobilise funding while reducing the fiscal burden on governments. It cited its work with the Ethiopian Government on a major airport expansion as an example.

The meeting followed Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), during which an investment forum presented potential projects for development.

Browne said the Government would explore the financing instruments discussed and identify proposals that could attract the bank’s support. Both sides committed to pursuing opportunities in trade, investment and infrastructure development.