Prime Minister Philip Davis’s Remarks at the Afrieximbank Roadshow 2026

Ladies and gentlemen,

Distinguished guests,

Partners and Friends, good morning.

I am delighted to be here today. 

For those who travelled to join us today, on behalf of the Government of The Bahamas, I welcome you to our islands.

There is an old proverb that says, “if you want to go fast, go alone. And, if you want to go far, go together.”

Today, we are gathered in the spirit of unity and cooperation as we explore how The Bahamas and Africa can continue building stronger, long-term partnerships through trade and investment. 

This gathering reflects the growing relationship between Africa and The Bahamas: a relationship based on mutual respect and a common understanding that our true power lies in our ability to work together.

No country, regardless of its size or strength, can operate in isolation if it hopes to create sustainable growth and meaningful opportunities for its people.

For The Bahamas, this conversation is especially timely. 

As we continue to strengthen and diversify our economy, there is growing recognition that we must broaden our international networks and create new pathways for investment and innovation.

Since the signing of our Memorandum of Understanding in 2023, Afreximbank has worked closely with The Bahamas to support national development, including infrastructure funding for roads and a $30 million facility through the Bahamas Development Bank to expand access to financing for small businesses. 

As we expand our ties, there is great potential  for trade and investment, as well as educational and cultural exchange. 

One of the key priorities for The Bahamas moving forward is the creation of even more pathways to opportunity for local entrepreneurs, especially small business owners.

Economic growth must translate into broader economic participation, ensuring that more Bahamians have the chance to build businesses, create jobs, and share in the country’s progress.

We have made some progress in this area, but continuing to strengthen access to capital through institutions such as the Afreximbank is an important part of our ongoing efforts.

This roadshow also reminds us of the importance of regional and international cooperation at a time when many economies are navigating uncertainty. 

Across the world, countries continue to confront economic and inflationary pressures, among other issues. 

In moments like these, strong collaborations and meaningful relationships become even more necessary.

There is so much more that we can do together to maximize opportunity and create shared prosperity. 

Our plans for an Afro-Caribbean Marketplace and Logistics Centre in the heart of Grand Bahama represent just an initial step toward our pursuit of fruitful enterprise and meaningful, two-way exchange between The Bahamas and Africa.

And this Roadshow represents yet another important step toward strengthening this emerging partnership.

As we move forward with our discussions, I encourage us all to think about the long-term relationships we are building and all the vast untapped potential that can be realised.

If we are to maximise our success in this endeavour, we must let trust, mutual respect, and shared progress remain at the centre of our efforts.
I thank Afreximbank for being here today and for partnering with us over the past several years. 

I look forward to deepening and expanding our engagement in the years ahead.

I wish you productive discussions and meaningful engagement throughout this roadshow.

Thank you.