Chairman of the Bahamas Trade Commission Barry Griffin
The government maintains an Africa engagement strategy
More than 20 Bahamian enterprises were present and engaged in networking and exploratory discussions at this year’s Intra‑African Trade Fair (IATF 2025), held in Algiers, Algeria, as The Bahamas continues to look to African nations as burgeoning trade partners, Chairman of the Bahamas Trade Commission Barry Griffin told Guardian Business yesterday.
Griffin said the delegation’s attendance at IATF is part of the government’s continuing Africa engagement strategy. He explained that this year’s IATF attracted 35,000 attendees from more than 140 countries and featured 2,000 exhibitors, including Bahamian companies that came as part of a delegation with the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation (BCCEC).
“The fair is projected to catalyze trade and investment agreements totaling $44 billion, further underscoring its role as a powerhouse for deal‑making,” said Griffin.
“Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey energetically promoted the Afro‑Caribbean marketplace, spotlighting collaborative opportunities between Caribbean and African businesses.
“Under my leadership, the trade commission positioned The Bahamas as a strategic shipping and trade hub facilitating the movement of African goods to the Americas, and promoting The Bahamas as an attractive locale for value‑added manufacturing of African exports destined for the Americas. A massive round of media and stakeholder engagement was done alongside the Chamber of Commerce and Ministry for Grand Bahama.
Networking and exploratory discussions to secure new partnerships and market entry
“The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce had over 20 Bahamian enterprises present and engaged in networking and exploratory discussions to secure new partnerships and market entry across sectors.”
IATF is hosted by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in partnership with the African Union Commission and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.
Griffin said the Caribbean made a good showing at IATF, with the expo holding a day specifically for the region.
“This mission’s outcomes underscore The Bahamas’ strategic trajectory: actively creating new export markets, maintaining a consistent presence at top-tier global trade forums, and placing our private sector at the forefront,” Griffin explained.
“This is the new normal: The Bahamas fully engaged on the world stage, its government and private sector confident in our ability to deliver business outcomes and drive economic growth for our people.
“IATF 2025 has been exceptionally useful and remarkably fruitful. Our delegation has forged meaningful connections, advanced trade objectives, and showcased The Bahamas as a dynamic, forward‑looking partner.”
Griffin said private sector partners and the BCCEC will make separate announcements on achievements and plans following IATF.
Photos: Charo Morley
