Tourism
GUBA Trade Forum & Awards heads to Barbados
Chartered Flight Direct From Accra to Bridgetown
Barbados will make history when it becomes the first Caribbean nation to host the prestigious Grow Unite Build Africa (GUBA) Trade and Investment Forum and Awards.
This trade and investment forum is a prestigious event that attracts trailblazers, renowned entrepreneurs, and dynamic creators from across the Black diaspora to discuss business, forge partnerships, and celebrate Black excellence.
This year, the event will celebrate its 16th edition under the theme ‘Reclaiming Our Atlantic Destiny — Connect, Build, Renew‘ from November 10th to 12th, 2025. The best, brightest, and most inspiring people from across the diaspora will be in attendance.
Attendees can also book a seat on the first ever direct charter flight between Ghana and Barbados. The flight will leave Accra on November 9th and land at the Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados later that day. The return nonstop charter leaves Barbados to Accra on November 13th.
British-Ghanaian actress, entrepreneur, TV presenter, and founder of GUBA Enterprises, Lady Dentaa Amoateng, MBE, hopes the event will help bring Africa and the Caribbean closer together.
Speaking at the event launch at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Barbados, she explained, “I want people to be open-minded. We’ve heard negative stories about the relationship between Africa and the Caribbean, that we don’t get along or can’t work together. I believe we can. Events like this allow us to share our stories and build new narratives together. It is essential that we tell our own stories to shape our legacy.”
Lady Dentaa continued, “Our aim extends beyond giving awards. We want to encourage investment—Africans investing in the Caribbean and vice versa. This reciprocal growth will enable us to create and share our own stories. That is the legacy I hope to leave behind.”
The first two days of the event will feature the GUBA Trade and Investment Forum, co-hosted by the Government of Barbados and GUBA Enterprises, which will provide attendees with the opportunity to explore growth opportunities in tourism, infrastructure, finance, energy, and the creative economy. The highly anticipated GUBA Awards will be held on November 12th and will see 19 honourees from 16 countries recognized for their contributions to their field and the diaspora.
This year’s honourees will join an impressive list of powerful Black icons and leaders, including celebrated Beninese singer-songwriter Angélique Kidjo; Nigerian economist and Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; and Ghanaian businessman Sir Sam Jonah.
While in Barbados, attendees will also get the opportunity to explore the island and see attractions that bridge the gap between Africa, the Caribbean, and the wider Black diaspora. The island has long distinguished itself as a friend to the continent, developing diplomatic relationships, cultural exchanges, and economic partnerships with several nations. It has also developed cultural experiences and attractions that are a major draw for people curious about the Africa-Barbados connection.
We Gatherin’ 2025
GUBA attendees will arrive as the yearlong We Gatherin’ 2025 celebration intensifies.
We Gatherin’ is a global invitation to people of Barbadian descent to return to the island to reconnect with their roots, forge stronger ties with local communities, and explore ways they can contribute to the society and economy. Each month, one of Barbados’ 11 parishes stages its own events, including movie nights, culinary events, hikes, cricket matches, and concerts. The parish of St. Michael will be featured in November, with activities centered on the theme “Food & Feting,” and GUBA attendees will have the opportunity to participate in some of these activities.
Culture & Heritage
Attendees curious about any links to the island will find the Barbados National Archives a treasure trove of information. It is a pivotal center for genealogy research, housing records for births, deeds, marriages and wills, some dating back to the 1600s. Attractions such as the Builders of Barbados Wall is also popular with visitors. The monument features bricks with the surnames of Barbadians, past and present, as a tribute to their contributions to the island. People often seek out their surnames in hopes of finding a potential connection to the development of the island.
GUBA attendees are sure to find Barbados a compelling venue not only to explore trade and investment opportunities but also to discover familial ties as well as cultural and creative opportunities. (PR)
