Antigua and Barbuda proudly took part in the Second Commonwealth Senior Trade Officials Meeting (STOM II) and the Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting (CTMM), held from June 16th to 20th, 2025, in Windhoek, Namibia.

Representing the nation were Ms. Chantal Phillip, Minister Counsellor at the High Commission for Antigua and Barbuda in London, and Ms. Jomica Carbon, Senior Trade Policy Analyst within the Ministry of Trade.

These pivotal meetings brought together senior officials, trade leaders, and policy influencers from across the Commonwealth to address pressing issues such as:

• Digital trade and AI-driven trade facilitation
• Green trade and circular economies
• Critical minerals and the global sustainable energy transition

A significant highlight of the week was the inaugural Commonwealth Business Summit (CBS), which ran alongside the CTMM. The summit offered a valuable platform for market leaders, strategists, and trade experts to explore investment opportunities and economic partnerships within the Commonwealth.

During the CTMM, Antigua and Barbuda was invited to provide a national update on its preparations to host the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Minister Counsellor Phillip reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to hosting an inclusive and impactful summit, noting significant progress in infrastructure, security, logistics, and planning around the 2026 agenda. She emphasized the country’s vision to make CHOGM 2026 a pivotal platform for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to influence Commonwealth policy direction.

Ms. Carbon played a vital role in discussions focused on trade facilitation, digital commerce, and economic resilience strategies for vulnerable states. The Antiguan and Barbudan delegation also engaged in collaborative exchanges aimed at enhancing Commonwealth economic cooperation and building a pathway toward sustainable growth for all member nations.

Antigua and Barbuda extends sincere gratitude to the Government of Namibia for its warm hospitality and to the Commonwealth Secretariat for facilitating such important conversations. The outcomes of the Windhoek meetings represent a significant milestone as the nation looks ahead to CHOGM 2026 in St. John’s.