As the global investment landscape shifts toward South-South cooperation, the Aquarian Consult’s Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit (AACIS’26) is set to become the definitive bridge connecting the economic powerhouses of Africa and the Caribbean.
Scheduled for March 23–28, 2026, in Abuja, Nigeria, the summit is issuing a strategic call to South African businesses, financial institutions, and investment advisers to secure their place in a combined market valued at $40 trillion.
Building on the landmark successes of the inaugural 2025 summit, which facilitated the first direct flight between Africa and St. Kitts and Nevis and a $40 million port development deal amongst other pioneering achievements, AACIS’26 is designed to move beyond dialogue into high-velocity deal-making.
Why South Africa? The Case for Reciprocal Expansion
With trade between Africa and the Caribbean currently accounting for less than 1% of total regional volume, and intra-Africa trade at 18%, the untapped potential is staggering.
For South African firms; pioneers in financial services, telecommunications, and infrastructure, AACIS’26 offers a unique platform to export expertise while tapping into the Caribbean’s growing demand for food security and healthcare innovation. All of which are areas set to be tackled during the 6-day summit.
“AACIS’26 is not just another conference; it is a curated, high-impact ecosystem,” says Aisha Maina, Managing Director of Aquarian Consult. “We are creating a formal transatlantic economic corridor where South African capital and Caribbean opportunities meet.”
Summit Highlights & Sector Focus
The 2026 program features a tripartite framework to ensure every participant finds their niche:
The Investor Deal Room: A dedicated space managed by investment promotion agencies to fast-track bankable deals.
Specialized Sub-Summits:
- Afri-Caribbean Agriculture & Food Security Summit (March 23–24) creating a platform to mitigate the issues surrounding both regions in food security, through sustainable measures.
- Afri-Caribbean Health Summit (March 26) bringing together powerhouses in the health sector to take strategic steps towards bridging gaps in the healthcare system, finding the way forward through common ground and building better infrastructure in both regions.
- B2B & B2G Matchmaking: Structured sessions connecting South African CEOs directly with Caribbean and African key individuals
Key Sectors for Collaboration
| Sector | Opportunity for South African Businesses |
| Financial Services | Institutional investment flows and cross-border payment solutions |
| Agriculture | Exporting South African agritech to bolster Caribbean food security |
| Healthcare | Pharmaceutical innovation and private hospital infrastructure |
| Renewable Energy | Scaling sustainable power solutions across island nations |
| Creative Economy | Expanding the “Soft Power” bridge between Jozi, Lagos, and the West Indies |
Event Details
Date: March 25–28, 2026 (Side events begin March 23)
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Expected Attendance: 2,000+ delegates, including captains of industry.
South African investment advisers and business leaders are encouraged to register early to secure access to the Investor Deal Room and exclusive networking sessions.
Registration & Inquiries:
Visit www.aquarianconsult.com/AACIS or contact the AACIS’26 Secretariat at +2348099666613 for calls and WhatsApp.