Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission (ABRSC), Ambassador Dorbrene O’Marde, will represent Antigua and Barbuda and CARICOM at _Africa Celebrates 2025_ in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 4–9 November.

Ambassador O’Marde will be among the featured speakers and panellists at the Africa Reparation Forum and _Diaspora Africa Konnect_ , both hosted at the African Union and United Nations headquarters in Addis Ababa.

This year’s theme, in line with the African Union’s agenda, is _“Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through and Beyond Reparations.”_ The Africa Reparation Forum will focus on the socio-economic impact of reparatory justice and explore strategies for mobilising diaspora resources to drive investment, heritage preservation, and sustainable economic growth across Africa and the Caribbean.

Organisers say the forum aims to rethink the reparations framework by advancing economic integration and investment opportunities in areas such as the creative economy, green technology, tourism, and digital innovation.

In a letter of invitation, the organisers praised Ambassador O’Marde’s leadership as Chairperson of the ABRSC and Vice-Chair of the CARICOM Reparations Commission, describing his participation as vital to sharing insights on the role of reparations in development and unity among people of African descent.

Africa Celebrates seeks to promote cultural exchange, trade, and innovation within Africa and its diaspora. Its stated goals include showcasing Africa’s cultural and creative diversity, encouraging patronage of African-made goods, and advancing intra-African trade, investment, and tourism — particularly through the empowerment of women and youth.

Since its inception in 2021, _Africa Celebrates_ has expanded significantly, with participation growing from 12 countries in its first year to more than 40 African nations and diaspora communities by 2024. Organisers expect the 2025 event to be the largest yet, featuring contributions from 13 countries and a broad range of cultural, business, and academic leaders.