Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has issued a passionate call for closer ties between Africa and the Caribbean at the African Union Summit. She urged leaders to move beyond rhetoric and prioritize tangible steps, specifically the creation of air and sea bridges to connect the two regions. These transport links, she argued, are essential for boosting trade, travel, and ultimately, self-determination.
"We must stop talking about, but simply do what is necessary to build the air bridges and sea bridges to guarantee that we control our destiny," the she stated. She emphasized that such infrastructure would empower ordinary citizens to trade and move freely, citing the example of travel between Dakar and Bridgetown, and would complement initiatives like the African Free Trade Area and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.
The speech also addressed the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence. She cautioned against Africa becoming a victim of technology, as it had with gunpowder in the past, and stressed the importance of shaping the future of AI. She highlighted Africa's significant mineral wealth (possessing 40% of the world's minerals) and its growing population (projected to be one in four people globally), arguing that these factors position the continent to play a leading role in global stability and prosperity.
A strong emphasis was placed on unity, reminiscent of the spirit of Adwa, and the need to overcome internal divisions. Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley invoked the vision of a United States of Africa and celebrated historical connections between Africa and the Caribbean, citing examples like the contributions of Arnold and Mignon Ford.
The overall message was a powerful call for self-reliance, unity, and proactive engagement with the world to address historical injustices and build a better future.