The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged African and Caribbean nations to take bold steps to strengthen trade and economic cooperation among themselves, insisting that both regions stand to gain significantly from a united economic front.

Speaking at the 2025 GUBA Awards Night in Barbados, where he also delivered a thought-provoking public lecture at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, the Asantehene said Africa and the Caribbean must move beyond historical connections and translate their shared identity into meaningful commercial partnerships.

His lecture, themed “Reclaiming Our Atlantic Destiny: Connect, Build, Renew,” highlighted the need for stronger economic, cultural, and diplomatic bridges between the two regions.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II emphasised that enhanced trade among African and Caribbean nations would open new markets, promote investment, and accelerate development on both sides of the Atlantic.

He added that such cooperation would also empower the two regions to chart their own global economic relevance.

He further called for the establishment of a direct flight between Africa and the Caribbean to eliminate travel barriers and boost cultural and economic exchanges.

The Asantehene also encouraged the use of educational institutions to foster deeper understanding, recommending exchange programmes and curriculum development that reflect the shared history of African and Caribbean peoples.

He highlighted cultural collaboration as another path to unity, proposing partnerships among musicians, writers, and other creatives to strengthen people-to-people connections.

The event also featured the unveiling of a portrait of Otumfuo, created by Eric Kwadwo Afranie, a Ghanaian artist, in honour of the King’s visit and his advocacy for stronger transatlantic ties.