The deep historical and cultural ties between Africa and the Caribbean have long shaped the identity and resilience of people of African descent worldwide. From shared struggles against colonialism to the enduring vision of Pan-Africanism, the Africa-Caribbean alliance represents more than just diplomatic relations, it is a reaffirmation of a common heritage and a shared destiny.

At the heart of this growing alliance stands Ethiopia, a nation whose symbolic and historical significance has made it a cornerstone of Pan-Africanism and African unity. As the only African country to successfully resist colonization, Ethiopia has long been a beacon of Black sovereignty and self-determination. It remains a source of inspiration for Caribbean nations and the global African diaspora. Today, as Africa and the Caribbean strengthen their political, economic, and cultural ties, Ethiopia’s leadership and influence remain central to shaping this renewed partnership.

The development of modern African and Caribbean states followed similar trajectories, shaped by the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, and the subsequent abolitionist and independence movements. The Caribbean’s African-descended population largely stems from the brutal system of plantation slavery, where resistance and rebellion were constant themes. These struggles for freedom found echoes in Africa, particularly in Ethiopia’s victory at the Battle of Adwa in 1896, a rare and monumental triumph of an African nation over a European colonial power.

This victory had a profound impact on anti-colonial movements worldwide, including in the Caribbean. Barbados’s Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Chair of CARICOM, highlighted this shared history in her speech at the 79th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa. She emphasized how the resistance against oppression in the Caribbean was deeply connected to the struggles in Africa, with Adwa serving as a symbol of hope and possibility for liberation.

Barbados’s Prime Minister Mia Motley at the 38th AU Summit, 2025

Following the abolition of slavery, the push for independence in the Caribbean closely mirrored Africa’s own decolonization movements. Inspired by Ethiopia’s sovereignty, Pan-Africanist leaders such as Marcus Garvey championed the idea of African unity and the “Back to Africa” movement, which encouraged the return of African descendants to their ancestral homeland. Later, under Emperor Haile Selassie, Ethiopia further cemented its role in the Pan-African movement, hosting the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963 and strengthening ties with Caribbean intellectuals and political leaders.

Despite these deep cultural and historical connections, political and economic relations between Africa and the Caribbean have remained underdeveloped. In recent years, efforts to change this have gained momentum. In 2021, the AU and CARICOM established formal cooperation mechanisms, and in late 2024, they signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate investment and economic collaboration.

Mottley’s speech at the AU Summit underscored the immense potential for partnership, calling for greater unity in addressing shared challenges and seizing mutual opportunities. One of the most promising areas is trade. Both the AU and CARICOM are implementing regional free trade agreements, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME). Bridging these two frameworks could unlock significant economic benefits, creating a new axis of South-South cooperation.

Beyond trade, political collaboration offers another opportunity. African and Caribbean nations remain underrepresented in global institutions such as the IMF and World Bank, despite their collective economic and demographic significance. A unified Africa-Caribbean front could amplify their voices in global governance and push for reforms that better reflect the interests of developing nations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed this sentiment in his speech at the 38th AU Summit, advocating for greater African and Caribbean representation on the world stage.

For Ethiopia, the renewed enthusiasm for Africa-Caribbean unity presents a strategic opportunity. Historically, Ethiopian leaders have leveraged the country’s unique status in the Pan-African movement to forge strong diplomatic ties. Emperor Haile Selassie’s outreach to newly independent African and Caribbean states helped solidify Ethiopia’s position as a unifying force. Today, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has an opportunity to revitalize this legacy.

HIM Emperor HaileSelassie visiting Jamaica in 1966

Abiy has positioned himself as a strong advocate for Pan-Africanism, emphasizing regional integration, economic self-reliance, and diplomatic engagement. His leadership in peace efforts, infrastructure development, and support for the AfCFTA aligns with the broader goals of African unity. By hosting the upcoming AU-CARICOM Summit in September, Addis Ababa can serve as the bridge between Africa and the Caribbean, facilitating deeper collaboration in trade, diplomacy, and shared global advocacy.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed receiving Prime Minister Mia Motley & her delegation at the National Palace, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Furthermore, strengthening ties with CARICOM member states could pave the way for greater cultural exchanges, trade agreements, and mutual support in international forums. Ethiopia, with its deep historical connections to the African diaspora, is well-positioned to take on this leadership role.

The Africa-Caribbean alliance is not just a diplomatic arrangement, it is a reaffirmation of a shared legacy and a common future. Ethiopia, as a historical and symbolic pillar of Pan-Africanism, has a crucial role to play in deepening these ties. By capitalizing on this moment, Ethiopia can reinforce its leadership in African and diaspora diplomacy, fostering a stronger, more united global African community.

The momentum is building, and with the upcoming AU-CARICOM Summit, the opportunity to turn historical solidarity into tangible action has never been greater. The question now is whether African nations, led by Ethiopia, will fully embrace this chance to reshape the geopolitical landscape for generations to come.

By Horn Review Editorial