Toronto’s Metro Corridor was abuzz with power on Tuesday, December 3, because the Canadian Afro-CARICOM Enterprise Commerce Affiliation (CACBTA) held its inaugural assembly. This landmark occasion, aimed toward fostering financial progress, inclusivity, and innovation between Canada, Africa, and the Caribbean, was adopted by a sublime VIP reception at Scotiabank Enviornment, underscoring the importance of the group’s launch.
CACBTA’s mission is to bridge the hole between companies throughout Canada, the Caribbean, and Africa. Co-founder and President Shawn Allen emphasised the group’s objective to empower entrepreneurs, foster collaboration, and advocate for equitable entry to alternatives. “That is about creating pathways for achievement in enterprise and commerce, not simply regionally, however globally,” Allen said.

The affiliation’s focus contains offering networking alternatives, addressing challenges, and exploring revolutionary options. Key progress sectors recognized throughout the occasion included renewable power, sustainable agriculture, tourism, infrastructure growth, and regional commerce integration.
The assembly introduced collectively a mixture of enterprise leaders, authorities officers, and diplomats, together with Consuls Basic from CARICOM nations. Discussions revolved round leveraging bilateral commerce alternatives, which exceeded $1.7 billion between Canada and CARICOM international locations in 2023, and fostering stronger ties to handle urgent international points resembling local weather resilience and meals safety.
Andrea Hazel, MPP for Scarborough-Guildwood, delivered a passionate deal with, highlighting the necessity for higher illustration of Caribbean folks in management positions. “We have to sit on the decision-making tables and ensure our communities are seen and heard,” she mentioned, underscoring the significance of political advocacy alongside enterprise initiatives.
The occasion additionally featured Minister Mary Ng, Canada’s Minister for Worldwide Commerce, who delivered a video message from the Philippines. Ng applauded CACBTA’s efforts to strengthen commerce ties and expressed optimism concerning the alternatives for Canadian companies in Africa and the Caribbean. “This occasion comes at an ideal time as we work collectively to open new markets and foster innovation,” she mentioned.
Representatives from the CARICOM consular corps, together with Fitz Huggins, Consul Basic of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, highlighted the significance of sustainable growth and regional integration. “CARICOM presents the very best prospects for financial growth within the Caribbean,” Huggins famous, urging collaboration throughout sectors resembling tourism, agriculture, and know-how.

Toronto Metropolis Councillor Brad Bradford praised CACBTA for its position in empowering communities and entrepreneurs. “Variety is our power, however organizations like CACBTA make it greater than only a motto—they make it a actuality,” he mentioned. With Toronto being house to over 55% foreign-born residents, town’s multicultural material offers a fertile floor for initiatives like CACBTA.
The occasion concluded with a name to motion for the diaspora to put money into their homelands and take part in nation-building. Discussions touched on revolutionary concepts resembling diaspora funding funds and enhanced infrastructure to ease enterprise transactions and commerce.
As CACBTA appears to 2025 and past, its management stays targeted on forging significant partnerships and advocating for inclusive insurance policies. The affiliation is poised to grow to be a key participant in connecting companies throughout continents and shaping a brighter future for the communities it serves.
“This isn’t nearly making connections,” Allen mentioned. “It’s about constructing bridges and creating sustainable alternatives for generations to come back.”
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