The President of the Afro-Caribbean Chamber of Culture and Tourism (ACCCAT) Honourable Quadri-adu Shakir Kehinde has called for greater investment in human capacity development, cultural diplomacy, and trade integration as key drivers of Africa’s economic transformation.
Speaking at the ACCCAT Africa Day 2026 Capacity Building Event held in Abuja, the ACCCAT President said Africa’s unity and economic integration could only become meaningful through the empowerment of entrepreneurs, SMEs, creatives, and policymakers across the continent and the Diaspora.
Addressing participants, the ACCCAT President said this year’s Africa Day theme, “Advancing Africa’s Integration Agenda: The Role of Trade and Cultural Diplomacy,” highlights the need to move beyond policy conversations to practical empowerment and collaboration.
According to the chamber, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) would only succeed if African entrepreneurs, cultural creatives, and small businesses are equipped with the skills and resources needed to compete globally.
The President noted that ACCCAT remains committed to strengthening economic and cultural ties between Africa and the Caribbean, describing culture and tourism as critical economic sectors capable of driving regional integration and development.
He stressed the importance of building capacity in areas such as export readiness, digital marketing, intellectual property protection, quality standards, and access to finance for African businesses and creatives.
The President also commended Afreximbank for investing in training, financing, and market access initiatives through platforms such as the Afreximbank Academy and CANEX, aimed at supporting Africa’s creative and business sectors.
Participants at the event were encouraged to leverage the training sessions to build partnerships, explore trade opportunities, and implement practical solutions within their businesses and communities.
The ACCCAT President further appreciated the Africa Diaspora Central Bank for its technical support, while also acknowledging the contributions of Rite Foods Limited, makers of Bigi Drinks, Malula Water, and other partners for supporting the event.
He called on Africans across the continent and the Diaspora to work collectively towards building “a connected, skilled, innovative, and prosperous Africa.”
The event, organised to commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU), was supported by African Export-Import Bank through its Afreximbank ATC initiative.
