BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Government of St. Kitts and Nevis and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have postponed this year's AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF 2026), citing the evolving health concerns in parts of Africa.
The annual forum was scheduled to be held at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort and was expected to attract delegates, investors and business leaders from across Africa and the Caribbean.
In a joint statement issued to delegates and registered participants, the Government and Afreximbank announced that the Fifth Annual AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF 2026) "will no longer take place as earlier announced."
According to the statement, the decision followed the latest guidance from regional, continental and international public health authorities.
"This decision has been taken following the latest updates from regional, continental and international public health authorities regarding the evolving public health situation in some parts of Africa," the statement said.
"Out of caution, and with the health, safety and well-being of delegates, speakers, partners, sponsors and other participants in mind, Afreximbank and the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis have agreed that the deferral of the Forum is the most responsible course of action at this time."
The announcement comes as the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to worsen.
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), health authorities in the DRC had recorded 1,333 confirmed cases and 399 related deaths as of June 29.
The agency said this represented an increase of 26 confirmed cases and 22 additional deaths compared with the previous reporting period. It also reported that 609 patients are currently being treated in isolation.
Health officials further indicated that 189 people infected with the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus have recovered, while 82.7 per cent of identified contacts are being monitored in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu.
The majority of confirmed infections—1,214 cases, including 335 deaths—have been reported across 23 of the 36 health zones in Ituri Province. North Kivu has recorded 116 confirmed cases, including 63 deaths, while South Kivu has reported three cases, including one death. In total, 35 of the country's 104 health zones are currently affected by the outbreak.
Despite the postponement, both Afreximbank and the Government expressed appreciation for the support shown by delegates, sponsors, partners and stakeholders in preparation for the event.
"The decision to defer the Forum was not taken lightly, and we sincerely regret any inconvenience this may cause," the statement added.
A new date for ACTIF 2026 has not yet been announced.
