Discreet but ambitious, Barbados intends to become a key economic player between Africa and the Caribbean region. Indeed, Bridgetown wants to develop its economic partnerships through an investment policy focused on the continent. In this interview with Financial Afrik, Senegalese Modou Diagne, in charge of relations with Africa at Barbados Investment and development corporation, a government agency in Barbados, reviews the strategy implemented by the Caribbean island state in this effect.
Many Africans do not locate Barbados on a world map. However, this Caribbean island state will develop an investment policy towards the African continent. You who are Senegalese and in charge of promoting trade relations between the African continent and Barbados where you are established, tell us why Barbados is focusing its export strategy towards Africa.
Barbados wishes to develop lasting trade relations with the African continent. Together with the Barbados government agency, we are working to identify potential partners on the continent who can facilitate trade between our state and Africa. Barbados has real know-how in several sectors including that of photovoltaic panels. Here, 60% of the population is equipped with it. It is very convenient for water heaters. In the intraocular lens sector, we also have an established offshore company with recognized expertise.
Modou Diagne, you arrived with 3,000 Barbadian dollars 16 years ago. And today, you will be the interface for business relations between the African continent and Barbados. Are you in the process of building, in spite of yourself, an economic and political bridge between Bridgetown and the African capitals?
Of course, we are aware of it. I was born in Senegal. I grew up there then I studied in France before trying the Barbadian adventure thanks to a woman I met on my way. In the Caribbean, we are constantly working on cultural and economic rapprochements with the African continent. Here we have a long history in common with Africa. And it is bound to be a source of pride that the government of Barbados is getting closer economically to our continent.
Closer to the Americas, the Caribbean has often preferred Uncle Sam to the mainland of Kwame Nkrumah for business. Without reversing the trend, Barbados has shown political and economic interest in the continent. How do you describe this trend?
There was an acceleration with the meetings between the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, and the respective presidents of Kenya and Ghana. This demonstrates the strong interest and their reciprocity. Generally speaking, I would say that Barbados is following a long term strategy. And this vision is not about to be called into question through the ballot box. In the last elections, the incumbent party won all seats in parliament. It must be said that the opposition is strongly criticized on the island.
For your new commercial “conquest” with the African continent, what will your strategy be?
Our strategy is to support exporters. We will obtain all the necessary authorizations from the competent authorities. Subsequently, we will identify the various partners and distributors based on the expertise of firms. We must limit the risks for businesses. The continent is attractive, but we have to rely on local businesses that know their market.
Has the Covid-19 had an impact in this new government direction?
She was an accelerator. Barbados realized that it could no longer rely on tourism alone. It was also to be a land of interconnection for business, production and exports to all regions of the world. This is Barbados’s ambition and mine as well as Africa’s relations officer in our government institution, Barbados Investment and development corporation.
In order to achieve this, what are the steps to take?
We need to deepen this emerging relationship of trust. Africa is a continent with many facets that must be approached with great humility. In the coming years, we will fight for the establishment of an airline between Barbados and the African continent. It would be a fantastic project that will demonstrate the vitality of cultural and economic relations between Barbados and the African continent.
Finally, what is your vision for the next ten years?
I hope that this economic rapprochement between Barbados and Africa will be sustainable and that it will inspire other states in the Caribbean region. And I am very confident in the future because our peoples tend to question their common origins. Thereafter, it will be necessary to reflect to draw a future together between the Caribbean and our continent.
