President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB, the Bank), Mr. Daniel M. Best, has called for deeper South - South cooperation and more inclusive regional integration as essential pathways to accelerate development across the Caribbean, Latin America, and Africa. Speaking at the Latin America and the Caribbean International Economic Forum 2026, President Best underscored the growing strategic importance of partnerships that link the region with Africa’s rapidly expanding economies.

“There is a growing urgency to bridge the Atlantic in a more deliberate and coordinated way,” Best stated. “Africa is the fastest growing region in the world, and alongside our deep historical and cultural ties, there is significant opportunity to learn from one another and chart a cohesive path forward for our people.”

Reaffirming the Bank’s commitment to advancing regional integration and South - South collaboration, he noted that CDB is actively expanding its network of partnerships to strengthen development outcomes and deliver measurable impact.

The President highlighted ongoing initiatives among CDB, CAF - Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, and the African Export - Import Bank (Afreximbank), emphasising the critical role of development finance institutions in driving transformative cooperation.

“CDB and CAF continue to deepen our partnerships to integrate more closely with our Latin American and African counterparts,” he explained. “We are currently developing several innovative offerings, including a multi‑ guarantor debt swap facility and a new line of credit for the Caribbean, while also advancing product development with Afreximbank. This is the kind of deep cooperation the region needs to accelerate.”

CAF Regional Manager for the Caribbean, Dr. Stacy Richards - Kennedy, echoed this view, emphasising the catalytic impact of action-oriented partnerships. “Our engagements underscore the strength of regional partnerships and emphasise their critical role in mobilising capital, bridging development gaps, and fostering inclusive growth. CAF remains committed to working closely with partners like CDB to design innovative financial solutions that support sustainable development outcomes. Similarly, we continue to deepen our collaboration with Afreximbank because I firmly believe that by pooling our expertise and our finances, we can truly assist the Caribbean with addressing its development needs,” she said.

Held on January 28 - 30 in Panama City, the International Economic Forum brought together more than 6,500 leaders from 70 countries, including heads of state and government. It examined opportunities for Latin America and the Caribbean to strengthen its global influence through deeper coordination, innovation, and shared development pathways. Discussions centred on regional integration, trade, artificial intelligence, energy transition, and competitiveness, with a shared emphasis on shifting the region from vulnerability to strategic global leadership.

President Best participated in a high-level panel titled “South - South Connection: CELAC-Africa Partnerships Toward a New Global Leadership,” which examined opportunities for closer collaboration between Latin America and the Caribbean and Africa across multiple development fronts.

On the margins of the Forum, the CDB delegation also engaged with regional policymakers and development partners to explore new financing approaches to accelerate infrastructure development, reduce inequality, and support inclusive growth across the Caribbean. 

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Photo caption: Panellists and moderator of the session “South - South Connection: CELAC - Africa Partnerships Toward a New Global Leadership.” From left to right: Okechukwu Ihejirika, Regional Director of Operations, Caribbean Office, African Export - Import Bank (Afreximbank); Lorena Arroyo, Director of América Futura at EL PAÍS in Spain (Moderator); Epsy Campbell, Former Vice President of Costa Rica; Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa; Daniel M. Best, President of the Caribbean Development Bank; and Eddy Bermúdez, Diversity Director, CAF - Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean.