PM: Caribbean Diaspora vital for Africa trade ties

By Guardian Reporter , The Guardian
Published at 11:36 AM Jul 31 2025
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa speaks with Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell, along with his delegation, at the Prime Minister’s Liaison Office in St. George’s, Grenada on Tuesday.
Photo: PMO
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa speaks with Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell, along with his delegation, at the Prime Minister’s Liaison Office in St. George’s, Grenada on Tuesday.

STRONG historical and cultural connections with communities in the African Diaspora, including the Caribbean zone in Central America can play a significant role in widening Africa’s broader economic and social ties, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has declared.

A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said yesterday that the premier made this observation in discussions with Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell in the capital, St. George’s, on the sidelines of the 4th Africa-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2025).

He said that Tanzania sees great potential in enhancing its engagement with Caribbean nations, particularly through engagements outlined at the forum, underlining that ACTIF2025 serves as a strategic platform to explore and grow partnerships in key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, health, and education. 

These areas are essential in addressing common development goals and improving the well-being of the various populations, he said, stressing Tanzania’s commitment to work closely with Grenada and other Caribbean states to share expertise, knowledge and innovation.

The various spheres of production, industry and services all need exchanging technological know-how so as to spur industrial growth, expand trade and create new employment opportunities for the youth, he stated.

The host premier welcomed Tanzania’s outreach effort, underlining Grenada’s commitment to using ACTIF as a long-term vehicle to build strong economic bridges between the Caribbean and African countries.

“We believe in building durable trade relations and investment partnerships, and ACTIF gives us the opportunity to connect with countries like Tanzania in a meaningful and impactful way,” he affirmed.

The two leaders expressed mutual interest in advancing intergovernmental dialogue, policy coordination and joint initiatives aimed at sustainable development, stressing the need for nurturing people-to-people relationships between Africa and the Caribbean, noting that such bonds are vital for lasting regional integration and prosperity.

The visiting premier reaffirmed Tanzania’s strong commitment to strengthening diplomatic and commercial relations with Grenada, asserting that deeper cooperation will bring tangible benefits to both countries.

Despite geographical distance the two countries have plenty that links them and shared experiences, he said in talks that were also attended by Shariff Ali Sharriff, the Labour, Economy and Investment state minister in the President’s Office for Zanzibar, and Wilbroad Kayombo, the country’s acting ambassador to Cuba, the Caribbean, Central America, Venezuela and Guyana, the statement added.