Work on the long-awaited expansion of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus is set to start in the first quarter of 2026, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has confirmed.

He said architectural plans are complete and funding has been secured through a $200m commitment from Saudi Arabia. The project will expand the campus to accommodate around 5,000 students, significantly boosting Antigua and Barbuda’s role as a regional hub for higher education.

The announcement follows last week’s matriculation ceremony, which welcomed 500 new students. Officials say the development will create jobs during construction and strengthen opportunities for research, innovation, and regional partnerships.

Browne described the investment as part of his administration’s goal to establish Antigua and Barbuda as a “centre of excellence in education” for the Eastern Caribbean.