Mahama calls for stronger African Union-Caribbean cooperation and global governance reforms

President John Dramani Mahama has called for stronger collaboration between the African Union (AU) and the Caribbean, saying the 21st century presents both regions with a historic opportunity to deepen cooperation and advance their shared interests on the global stage. Addressing a special joint sitting of the Jamaican Parliament during his state visit to Jamaica on Tuesday, August 4, President Mahama said while history had connected Africa and the Caribbean through painful experiences, the future demanded a more ambitious partnership focused on economic transformation and international cooperation. “The 21st century presents Africa and the Caribbean with an historic opportunity,” he said.

President Mahama noted that Africa’s youthful population, abundant natural resources, and growing innovation ecosystem position the continent as an emerging global economic force. “Africa is home to the world’s youngest, fastest-growing population, possesses immense natural resources, and is becoming rapidly a growing centre of innovation and enterprise,” he said. He also commended the Caribbean, particularly Jamaica, for its leadership on key global issues, including climate justice, sustainable development, democracy and multilateral cooperation.

“The Caribbean and Jamaica continue to exercise global leadership on climate justice, sustainable development, democracy, and multilateral cooperation. Jamaica presents a gateway to the larger American and Caribbean areas,” he stated. According to President Mahama, the combined strengths of Africa and the Caribbean provide a solid foundation for deeper collaboration.

“Together, these two regions possess enormous human talent, cultural influence, and economic potential,” he said. The President stressed that historical ties alone should no longer define relations between the two regions, urging greater institutional cooperation. “History has connected us, and the future now calls upon us to work together with greater ambition.

We must strengthen cooperation between the African Union and the Caribbean,” he said. He further called for closer collaboration within international organisations, arguing that Africa and the Caribbean would have greater influence by speaking with one voice on major global issues. “We must deepen our collaboration within the United Nations and other multilateral institutions,” President Mahama said.

President John Dramani Mahama has called for a stronger partnership between Africa and the Caribbean, urging the two regions to transform their shared history into a shared future built on economic cooperation, innovation and coordinated global action. “The challenge before us has never been clearer,” he said. “We must transform our shared history into shared prosperity.