As the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF 2025) opens in St. George’s, Grenada, the government of Taraba State, Nigeria, is seizing a rare opportunity to position itself on the global investment map. The summit, organised by the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with the Government of Grenada, brings together leaders, investors, and development institutions from Africa and the Caribbean under the theme “Resilience and Transformation: Enhancing Africa–Caribbean Economic Cooperation in an Era of Global Uncertainty.”

Among the Nigerian delegation are former Head of State and President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Hon Ndudi Elumelu, former member of the House of Representatives and Chairman of Taravest Very nice pls let’s have a single article ready for publication now and less subheadings using British spellingsand the Governor of Taraba State, Dr Agbu Kefas. Their participation signals a strong intent not only to foster bilateral relations but also to secure real investment outcomes for Nigeria and, specifically, for a resource-rich but often overlooked state like Taraba.

Taraba’s presence at ACTIF 2025 is timely. Just months earlier, the state held its first-ever Taraba Investment Summit.

That landmark event attracted national leaders and top private sector figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and Mr Tony Elumelu. It showcased Taraba’s enormous potential in agriculture, tourism, solid minerals, renewable energy, and infrastructure. Investors praised the state’s relative peace, vast arable land, and commitment to building a business-friendly environment. The momentum generated by Taravest now provides a strategic platform for Taraba to engage an even wider audience at ACTIF.

With Africa–Caribbean trade still well below its potential—currently valued at less than $1 billion—the summit offers a historic opportunity to reshape economic relations. The Caribbean, much like Taraba, has untapped potential in agro-processing, green energy, creative industries, and digital finance. Taraba’s natural resources, combined with recent policy shifts and institutional reforms under Governor Kefas, make it well-placed to attract Caribbean partners seeking new markets and joint ventures in West Africa.

Afreximbank’s support mechanisms, including the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and the Africa Trade Gateway, also open new possibilities for Nigerian states to engage directly with global trade partners. For Taraba, this means exploring new export pathways for agricultural produce, artisanal products, and tourism experiences—while attracting much-needed finance for infrastructure and development projects.

Hon Ndudi Elumelu, who led the planning of Taravest, is expected to use the Grenada summit to build relationships with diaspora investors and international financiers. With the political gravitas of Chief Obasanjo and the leadership of Governor Kefas, the delegation is well positioned to present Taraba as a state that is ready, not just to receive investment, but to deliver results.

As global conversations around regional integration, climate resilience, and inclusive growth continue, Taraba’s presence at ACTIF 2025 signals a clear intention to be part of the future of African and Caribbean economic cooperation. The state is not only participating, it is presenting itself as a credible destination for sustainable investment, innovation, and development partnerships.