Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called for bold action to establish direct flights between Africa and the Caribbean, describing connectivity as the “most urgent priority” for deepening ties between the two regions.

Speaking at the 2nd Africa–CARICOM Summit in Addis Ababa, Mr Browne said that despite progress on trade and cooperation, the absence of regular air and sea links continues to hold back integration. “Without air and sea bridges, our vision will remain little more than words,” he told fellow leaders.

He proposed that governments consider subsidising at least one weekly flight, arguing that the symbolic and strategic value would outweigh the cost. “That single flight will carry not only passengers but the promise of expanded trade, cultural exchange, tourism, and investment,” Mr Browne said. “It will link families divided by history and reconnect communities across the Atlantic.”

The Prime Minister suggested working with African carriers such as Ethiopian Airlines, Ghana Air and Air Peace, noting that the Caribbean had the political will to support such an initiative. He said even a modest start would demonstrate the determination to move “beyond rhetoric to concrete action.”

Connectivity, he argued, is the linchpin for advancing other areas of cooperation, from preferential trade to student exchanges. Without reliable transport links, he warned, plans for deeper economic and cultural integration would remain unrealised.

The summit, which brings together leaders from both regions, also examined opportunities in trade, youth development, and reparations for slavery and colonialism. But Mr Browne insisted that establishing physical connections across the Atlantic must be the immediate priority.

“Excellencies, the cost of inaction is far higher than the price of a subsidised route,” he said. “Let us act with urgency and make this the moment when Africa and the Caribbean choose courage over complacency.”