The Government is pursuing economic partnerships in Africa and Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, this week in the Bahamas, discussed how that might develop during a meeting with an official from Ghana.

Mr Hayward is attending the third Afri-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum and the 31st Afreximbank Annual Meetings, the joint conference hosted by the African Export-Import Bank.

He met Ken Ofori-Atta, senior adviser to the President of Ghana and former minister of finance, to discuss a possible enhanced economic relationship.

In a statement, Mr Hayward said: “The ACTIF/AAM conference provides a unique platform to forge close economic ties with the African continent alongside our Caribbean counterparts.

“The impetus for the Caribbean and Africa to work together is clear. Founded in our shared history and heritage, we face common challenges in areas like climate resilience and food security, alongside a strong shared desire to deepen South-South co-operation.

“This conference is a clear demonstration that our regions are moving on a new frontier of reconnection, where we can bring together our respective strengths to pave the way for a prosperous common future.”

Afreximbank is Africa’s largest trade finance institution, cultivating significant trade, investment and technical co-operation among its member countries.

It is committing potentially $3 billion in trade finance facilities to Caricom member states.

More than 20 African and Caribbean heads of state were expected delegates, including the presidents of Ghana, Rwanda, Togo, Guyana, Zambia, Barbados and Uganda.

Numerous influential African business leaders from the banking, energy and insurance sectors are also present.