News

The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) joined regional and international partners at the African Caribbean Sustainability & Investment Summit (ACSIS 2025), held from November 21–22, 2025, at Queen’s Gate House in London, UK. The two-day summit, themed “Empowering Futures: Uniting Africa and the Caribbean through Sustainable Innovation and Inclusive Growth,” brought together policymakers, business leaders, investors, and innovators from both regions to advance trade, technology, and investment collaboration.

Representing Caribbean Export, Dr. Damie Sinanan, Executive Director, delivered a keynote address titled “Tech-Driven Transformation: Bridging Africa and the Caribbean Through Innovation and Investment” on the opening day of the Summit. In his remarks, Dr. Sinanan underscored the shared economic challenges and opportunities facing developing regions and highlighted digital transformation as a pivotal tool to drive resilience, competitiveness, and sustainable growth across Africa and the Caribbean.

“Africa and the Caribbean have all the ingredients to redefine the global narrative for developing regions — not as passive participants, but as dynamic co-creators of a new digital frontier,” Dr. Sinanan stated. “Our shared history gives us connection, but it is our shared innovation that must give us momentum.”

During his address, Dr. Sinanan showcased Caribbean Export’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, which focuses on improving MSME competitiveness, expanding market access, and promoting regional integration and investment.

He emphasized the agency’s six active economic development programmes valued at USD 20 million, which have already supported nearly 1,000 business professionals in 2024 alone.

Dr. Sinanan also presented the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) as a key vehicle to strengthen Africa-Caribbean trade and investment ties. He highlighted CIF’s evolution into the Caribbean’s premier investment platform — with over 2,000 delegates from 50 countries and USD 350 million in showcased projects — and invited partners to participate in the 2026 edition to be held in Barbados.

Among the transformative areas of cooperation identified were FinTech, digital entrepreneurship, logistics innovation, green energy, and smart agriculture. Dr. Sinanan cited success stories such as Ghana’s ZeePay expansion into Barbados and the Caribbean’s WiPay operations in Ghana as examples of mutually beneficial digital collaboration.

ACSIS 2025, sponsored by Afreximbank and held in partnership with the African Union, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), and Caribbean Export, served as a dynamic platform for connecting investors with high-potential projects in both regions.

The Summit reinforced the growing momentum for Africa-Caribbean partnerships that advance inclusive economic development through sustainable innovation.

The Caribbean Export Development Agency, representing the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator, participated in Boostcamp 2025 Founders’ Day, an initiative organized by Boost Acceleration Camp, one of Dominican Republic’s most prominent startup accelerators. In its first day, the event placed the spotlight in the startup community and amassed more than 100 founders, entrepreneurs, and innovation leaders from the Dominican Republic, Central America, and the Caribbean. Under the banner of “Growth Edition” Boostcamp 2025 focused on providing a full day of training, networking, and investment-readiness activities for the bustling startup community in the DR and the wider Latin American and Caribbean region.

Kicking off Caribbean Export’s intervention the agenda was Damie Sinanan, Executive Director, who underscored the importance of entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and expanded access to finance—key themes aligned with his broader BOOSTcamp message. “The Caribbean’s entrepreneurs are shaping the region’s next stage of economic growth,” said Dr. Sinanan. “By strengthening digital capabilities, improving access to finance, and forging new cross-regional partnerships, we are helping our startups scale, innovate, and compete on the global stage.”

The cornerstone of this activation was the presentation of the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator, a programme financed by the European Union under the Global Gateway Investment Agenda and implemented by an international consortium led by Tecnalia and supported regionally by Caribbean Export. Leo Naut, Deputy Executive Director, explained how the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator creates pathways for startups to collaborate directly with corporates across Europe and Latin America, co-develop digital solutions, and access new international markets through structured open innovation processes.

This Founders’ Day is part of a broader two-day BOOSTcamp 2025 programme, which also includes Investors & Corporates Day on November 27. Caribbean Export will represent the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator in this Investors & Corporates Day by moderating a panel with top Dominican corporates on corporate venturing, open innovation, and opportunities for startup-corporate collaboration.

Caribbean Export Hosts Live Startup Clinic During Founders Day

As part of its participation, Caribbean Export also hosted a live Startup Clinic, where the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator programme team held one-on-one meetings with local startups, led by Michelle Aybar, Technical Officer for EU-LAC Programmes and Leo Naut, Deputy Executive Director, who also serves as Programme Manager for the Accelerator at Caribbean Export. These sessions enabled startups to provide deeper insights into their capabilities to the Digital Accelerator team with the aim to connect with current corporate innovation challenges that are live within the programme. With this deeper engagement, the Digital Accelerator team at Caribbean Export aims to assist and provide the adequate support to startups to identify the actual business opportunities with corporates across the EU-LAC network.

 

The Caribbean Export Development Agency participated in the 2025 Social Entrepreneurship Symposium, with a delegation composed of Dr. Damie Sinanan, Executive Director; Wayne Elliott, Manager of Technical Programmes; Michelle Aybar, Technical Officer of EU-LAC Programmes; and Leo Naut, Deputy Executive Director, who represented the Agency during the opening of this important regional event.

The Symposium is organized by El Hueco Caribe, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs (MICM) and the Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE). The event forms part of Global Entrepreneurship Week and gathers social entrepreneurs, public and private sector representatives, academia, and international cooperation agencies to strengthen the social innovation ecosystem across the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean.

Held under the theme “Linking the Impact Ecosystem,” the Symposium provides a regional platform to advance inclusive innovation, promote collaboration, and highlight initiatives that foster social and economic transformation.

EU-LAC Social Accelerator Presentation

As part of the launch of the National Registry of Social Entrepreneurs (RNES), Mr. Leo Naut delivered an institutional presentation on Caribbean Export’s mandate, outlining the Agency’s ongoing work to support innovation, competitiveness, and private sector development in the Caribbean.

During his remarks, Mr. Naut introduced the EU-LAC Social Accelerator, a flagship programme implemented by Caribbean Export and funded by the European Union under the Global Gateway    Investment Agenda.

The EU-LAC Social Accelerator seeks to foster social innovation across Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean by strengthening ecosystem capacities, promoting impactful projects, and supporting a fair, inclusive, and responsible green and digital transition.

The programme is led by CAINCO (Bolivia) and implemented by a consortium of international partners, including:

• Tecnalia Research and Innovation (Spain)
• The International Trade Centre (ITC)
• Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey (Mexico)
• The Confederation of Commercial and Business Associations of Brazil (CACB)
• Caribbean Export Development Agency

Together, these partners collaborate to build and strengthen social innovation ecosystems through the provision of technical assistance and capacity building that supports the development of regional social labs. These labs will create spaces for cocreation and prototyping of solutions. Complementing these efforts will be the preparation of actionable roadmaps designed to address the needs and challenges of social innovators across the region as they work to  solve social and environmental issues affecting our citizens.

The initiative places strong emphasis on empowering women, youth, and vulnerable groups, and providing financial and technical support to organizations working on transformative, community-focused innovations.

“Innovation becomes powerful when it is inclusive. What we are building with the EU LAC Social Accelerator, with the European Union and our implementing partners, is a platform where women, youth and vulnerable communities can shape solutions, access opportunities and create the Caribbean of the future. ” stated Leo Naut, Deputy Executive Director of Caribbean Export.

Caribbean Export’s Commitment

Caribbean Export’s participation underscores its continued commitment to building a more innovative, inclusive and sustainable Caribbean private sector. Through the strategic direction set out in its 2025 to 2028 plan, the Agency is focused on positioning the Caribbean as a leader in smart growth, deepening partnerships that mobilise resources, and developing investment ready projects that create real opportunities for our firms. Supported by collaborative initiatives and EU funded programmes, Caribbean Export remains devoted to strengthening regional competitiveness and resilience while ensuring that development efforts translate into meaningful social impact for the people and communities of the Caribbean.

The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), in partnership with Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and BELTRAIDE, officially launched the Caribbean Women Entrepreneurs Generating Resilient and Inclusive Trade (GRIT) initiative in Belize on November 12, 2025 — marking another milestone in the regional movement to empower women entrepreneurs and transform Caribbean trade.

Held at the Grand Residences & Resort in Belize City, the launch brought together representatives from government, business, and civil society to celebrate a shared vision — one where women-led enterprises are not only creating products but also shaping purpose-driven growth across the Caribbean.

Empowering Women, Transforming Trade

The GRIT project is a four-year, CAD $3.16 million initiative funded by the Government of Canada and implemented by Caribbean Export. It aims to strengthen the export capacity of women-led businesses across six Caribbean countries — Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines — by improving access to trade intelligence, resources, and international market opportunities.

Through GRIT, women entrepreneurs will benefit from technical assistance, training, digital transformation support, matching grants, and export readiness guidance, enabling them to compete more effectively in regional and global markets, including Canada.

Wayne Elliott, Manager of Technical Programmes at Caribbean Export, highlighted the transformational reach of the initiative, noting:
“GRIT is about meeting women where they are. It will directly support 800 entrepreneurs and indirectly impact more than 10,000 women across the Caribbean. We’ve already completed activations in Saint Lucia and Dominica, and with Belize now underway, we are preparing to expand to the remaining countries early next year. It’s crucial that we engage women within their own communities, so the support offered truly reflects their needs and ambitions.”

Mr. Ishmael Quiroz, Executive Director of BELTRAIDE, highlighted the agency’s long-standing commitment to advancing women in trade, stating:
“You are not waiting for opportunity. You are creating it. We are here to ensure the system meets your ambition. BELTRAIDE stands with you. EXPORTBelize stands with you. And through GRIT, the region stands with you.”

Partnership for Inclusive Growth

Representatives from key government ministries reaffirmed Belize’s commitment to inclusive, gender-responsive economic transformation — a cornerstone of the nation’s development strategy.

Narda Garcia, Chief Executive Officer in the Office of the Prime Minister and Ministries of Investment and Civil Aviation, emphasized that women’s economic empowerment is central to Belize’s development agenda and not a peripheral concern. She stated:
“Gender equality is not a social welfare project; it is a macroeconomic imperative. The full and equal participation of women in our economy is the single most significant untapped resource we have for driving sustainable growth, building resilience, and creating a more prosperous future for all.”

Carlos Pol, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Economic Transformation, underscored the economic urgency of strengthening women’s participation in trade and entrepreneurship. He emphasized that empowering women is not only a social imperative but a national economic necessity, stating:
“According to the IMF, increasing women’s labour force participation could possibly raise GDP levels by 23 percent. That is no small contribution. We must understand that depriving women of the services they need to grow their businesses and themselves means that we are also depriving the country of significant economic growth.”

Adele Catzim-Sanchez, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs, emphasized the national importance of GRIT’s mission and the transformative power of women’s participation in trade. She noted:
“This Project recognizes that when women thrive, families thrive, communities prosper, and nations advance.”

She further highlighted how GRIT aligns seamlessly with Belize’s long-term development frameworks, adding:
“Women’s economic empowerment is not a side agenda. It is central to national development, to achieving the goals of Plan Belize, and to realizing the vision of our National Gender Policy.”

Their remarks underscored the role of women as economic drivers and innovators in Belize’s future — and the importance of collaborative partnerships like GRIT in bridging gaps and creating sustainable pathways for women in trade.

From Vision to Venture

The event featured a fireside chat with two of Belize’s most dynamic women entrepreneurs — Wilana Oldman, CEO of Hot Mama’s Belize, and Nefretery Marin, CEO of Ostrich Organic Farm and Barzakh Falah Farms & Craft — who shared their experiences of navigating export markets, scaling businesses, and leading with creativity and resilience.
Their stories embodied the spirit of GRIT — courage, persistence, and purpose — inspiring attendees to see entrepreneurship not only as business but as a form of nation-building.

Canada’s Commitment to Inclusive Trade

Through GRIT, Global Affairs Canada and Caribbean Export continue to advance gender-responsive trade practices that ensure women entrepreneurs across CARIFORUM states can fully participate in and benefit from trade opportunities. The initiative is part of Canada’s broader commitment to inclusive economic growth, climate resilience, and women’s empowerment across the Caribbean.

A bold new chapter for women in Caribbean trade began yesterday, November 6, 2025, in Dominica as the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada (GAC), unveiled GRIT – Caribbean Women Entrepreneurs Generating Resilient and Inclusive Trade at Barana Aute in the Kalinago Territory. The event was held under the patronage of Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, D.A.H., President of the Commonwealth of Dominica.

The programme aims to transform the regional business landscape by helping women-led enterprises navigate barriers to trade, scale their impact, and sustain growth through green transition, digital transformation, and expanded market access.

The launch event brought together representatives from the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, the Government of Canada, the Dominica Export Import Agency (DEXIA), and women entrepreneurs from across the island – all united by a shared commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment and inclusive growth.

Empowering Women in Trade

“Initiatives like GRIT are not only about empowering women, but they are also about shaping the future of Caribbean trade. A future where our businesses, particularly MSMEs, are positioned to navigate global complexities and seize opportunities in diversified markets,” said Dr. Damie Sinanan, Executive Director of the Caribbean Export Development Agency.

Representing the Government of Canada, H.E. Brenda Wills, High Commissioner of Canada to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to advancing gender equality and supporting inclusive growth across the region stating: “Trade can be a powerful catalyst for inclusive growth”. She continued: “Canada strongly supports inclusive trade—where the benefits of economic opportunity are shared equitably among youth, Indigenous peoples, and women. We believe this is essential for building resilience and sustainability.”

In her welcome remarks, Chief Anette Thomas Sanford, Chief of the Kalinago Territory, underscored the importance of empowering indigenous and women entrepreneurs to lead local economic development.

Meanwhile Ms. Paula Platsko, General Manager of DEXIA, highlighted the importance of collaboration in enhancing trade opportunities for women across Dominica and the wider Caribbean.

GRIT Programme Overview

Wayne Elliott, Manager of Technical Programmes at Caribbean Export, presented an overview of the GRIT programme, detailing how it supports women-owned businesses through technical assistance, market intelligence, and trade facilitation. With CAD $3.16 million in funding from the Government of Canada, GRIT is a four-year initiative aimed at boosting women’s participation in export markets — particularly to Canada — by providing resources, training, and business linkages across Dominica, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Keynote and Fireside Conversations

Delivering the Keynote Address, Hon. Cozier Frederick, Minister for Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment, emphasized that empowering women entrepreneurs is critical to achieving resilient and sustainable development in Dominica. “The story of Dominica’s progress cannot be told without honoring the women of the Kalinago Territory — the first women of this land, whose resilience, skill, and wisdom have quietly shaped the nation’s character and development for centuries,” said Minister Frederick.

The keynote address was followed by a Fireside Chat, featuring Dominican women entrepreneurs Lana Athanaze, CEO of Éclat Nova Luxuries, and Natasha Green, of Tilou Kanawa Restaurant & Artisan Brand. The engaging discussion explored the challenges, creativity and resilience of women leading businesses in the creative industries.

The GRIT launch marks another step forward in the country’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable trade. Through collaboration between Caribbean Export, Global Affairs Canada, and national trade agencies like DEXIA, the initiative is set to open new doors for women entrepreneurs — turning ambition into opportunity and potential into progress.

Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) has extended the application deadline for the BRIDGE Grant Programme to Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. AST. 

This decision follows the widespread disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa, which brought severe weather conditions and extensive power and internet outages across several Caribbean states. These challenges significantly affected businesses’ and entrepreneurs’ ability to complete their applications on time. 

Caribbean Export stands in solidarity with all those affected by the hurricane and remains committed to ensuring that private sector firms across the region have equitable access to this important funding opportunity. 

The extension provides additional time for applicants to finalize their submissions and ensures that no one is disadvantaged due to circumstances beyond their control. 

Hurricane Melissa also serves as a reminder of the growing impacts of climate change and the urgent need to strengthen the region’s resilience. Caribbean Export continues to support the Caribbean private sector with the tools, resources, and partnerships necessary to build resilience and accelerate the transition to a green economy. 

For more information on the BRIDGE Grant Programme and how to apply, please visit www.carib-export.com/opportunties/. 

The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) and Caribbean Dragons have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the Ignite Caribbean Summit 2025, held in Trinidad and Tobago. The agreement marks a significant milestone in advancing innovation, entrepreneurship, and access to finance for Caribbean Businesses.

The MOU formalises a collaborative framework between Caribbean Export and Caribbean Dragons to foster private sector growth and build a more vibrant startup ecosystem across the region. The partnership will focus on strengthening access to finance, supporting innovation and technology adoption, and enhancing the competitiveness of Caribbean enterprises—particularly those led by youth and women.

Manager- Technical Programmes of the Caribbean Export Development Agency, Mr. Wayne Elliott, underscored the importance of partnerships and collaboration in driving sustainable regional growth.

“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to empowering Caribbean entrepreneurs by connecting them to the knowledge, networks, and financing that they need to scale their businesses and compete globally. This collaboration advances our mission to drive private sector development and regional economic growth. By working together, we aim to unlock new avenues for investment, mentorship, and innovation that will empower Caribbean entrepreneurs to scale their businesses and compete on the global stage. The transformational impact of this partnership lies in its potential to not only accelerate the growth of high-potential enterprises but also to inspire a culture of entrepreneurship and investment across the region. We look forward to the far-reaching benefits this alliance will bring to our economies and our people.”

Caribbean Dragons, an investor network and ecosystem builder dedicated to supporting early- and growth-stage enterprises, will work with Caribbean Export to mobilise capital, build the capacity of enterprises and the investor base, and promote opportunities for Caribbean entrepreneurs.

Mr. Marc G. Persaud, Co-Founder and Director of Caribbean Dragons, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to driving innovation and regional transformation.

“At Caribbean Dragons, our vision is to build a globally competitive Caribbean Innovation Ecosystem. Our goal is to foster connections, share knowledge, and remove roadblocks to empower our people’s creative and innovation potential. One of the lynchpins of our approach is to form long lasting and resonant relationships with like-minded and aligned organisations who are dedicated to changing the future of our region. As such we are absolutely thrilled to be officially partnering with Caribbean Export Development Agency, which has been doing pioneering work in the realm of early-stage investments. The collaboration between Caribbean Dragons and Caribbean Export will have a multiplier effect on each other’s programming and has the potential to be a vital ingredient in the transition of our economies.”

The partnership aligns with Caribbean Export’s EU-supported programmes, including the Regional Private Sector Development Programme (RPSDP III) and the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator, both of which seek to strengthen MSME competitiveness, improve access to finance, and encourage digital innovation across the Caribbean.

Through the MOU, both organisations have committed to explore and jointly implement initiatives such as:

• • Startup support and acceleration programmes including pitch events and innovation challenges;
  • Investor forums and financing mechanisms to connect MSMEs with funders and broaden the regional investor base;
  • Capacity-building and mentorship programmes focused on digital transformation and export readiness; and
  • Cross-regional partnerships linking Caribbean entrepreneurs with opportunities in Latin America and Europe.

The agreement reinforces both organisations’ mission to catalyse sustainable, inclusive growth by nurturing entrepreneurship, strengthening the private sector, and advancing regional economic resilience.

The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), backed by the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, has launched the Building Resilient Innovation for Digital & Green Enterprises (BRIDGE) facility. The programme offers co-financing of up to EUR 100,000 to help Caribbean micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) transition to more sustainable and digitally competitive business models.

BRIDGE is designed to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of MSMEs across CARIFORUM by addressing two of the most urgent priorities for the region’s private sector: green transition and digital transformation.

Through two dedicated streams, MSMEs can access funding support to accelerate their growth:

Green Transition – The European Union will co-finance up to EUR 100,000 (60% of project costs) for projects in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, circular economy, blue economy, and green services and technologies.

Digital Transformation – The European Union will co-finance up to EUR 50,000 (60% of project costs) for initiatives in e-commerce, business process automation, cybersecurity, digital products, and supply chain digitization.

Beneficiaries are required to contribute at least 40% of project costs, ensuring strong ownership, sustainability, and a shared commitment to success.

Building Resilient and Competitive Caribbean Firms

This grant component is part of the Regional Private Sector Development Programme (RPSDP III), which seeks to foster inclusive growth, innovation, and job creation across CARIFORUM. It is funded by the European Union and implemented by Caribbean Export.

Dr. Damie Sinanan, Executive Director at Caribbean Export, emphasized the importance of this initiative:

“BRIDGE is not just about financing — it is about co-investing in the future of our businesses. By supporting the green and digital transitions, we are empowering businesses to reduce costs, innovate, and access new export markets. This is how we build a more competitive, resilient, and inclusive Caribbean economy.”

H.E. Fiona Ramsey, Ambassador of the European Union to Barbados and Ambassador Designate to the Eastern Caribbean States, added:

“The EU is proud to partner with Caribbean Export in supporting businesses on their journey toward sustainability and digitalization. These transitions are essential for the Caribbean’s long-term competitiveness and integration into global value chains. This clearly demonstrates that the EU stands ready to support Caribbean businesses in creating jobs, reducing vulnerabilities, and driving innovation for generations to come.”

Call for Applications

Applications for both streams of the BRIDGE are now open and will close on November 9, 2025, at 11:59 PM, AST.

Eligible firms can access guidelines, application forms, and budget templates at www.carib-export.com.

Applications must be submitted via email with all required documentation.

The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing cooperation to accelerate sustainable investment and project development in the Caribbean region.

The MOU was signed in Montego Bay by Dr. Damie Sinanan, Executive Director of Caribbean Export, and Anton Edmunds, General Manager of the IDB’s Caribbean Country Department. This strategic partnership will support the implementation of the ONE Caribbean Project Preparation Coordination Mechanism (PPCM), designed to create a robust pipeline of well-prepared, market-ready projects to attract financing from regional and global investors.

Under the agreement, both organizations will collaborate to:

• Enhance project readiness by improving the quality and structuring of projects, making them more attractive to investors and financiers.
• Expand investment opportunities by developing a pipeline of bankable projects aligned with the Caribbean’s sustainable development goals.
• Maximize regional synergies by engaging investment promotion agencies and stakeholders to strengthen the region’s overall investment landscape.

Dr. Damie Sinanan expressed optimism about the collaboration: “This partnership with the IDB marks a significant step in advancing our mission to mobilize impactful investments for the Caribbean. Together, we will foster innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth by ensuring that projects are well-prepared and positioned to attract the financing needed to transform our economies.”

Anton Edmunds of the IDB emphasized the Bank’s commitment: “Through this MOU, we are deepening our partnership with Caribbean Export to unlock greater access to financing and technical support for Caribbean countries and investing companies. The ONE Caribbean Project Preparation Coordination Mechanism will play a critical role in strengthening project pipelines, supporting private sector development, and delivering transformative impact across the region.”

The MOU will remain in effect for three years, with a joint Action Plan that will guide collaborative activities, including information exchange, stakeholder engagement, and potential staff exchanges, all aimed at improving the Caribbean’s project development ecosystem.

For more information, visit www.carib-export.com or www.iadb.org