The African Trade Chamber (ATC) has appointed Senator Barry Griffin, Vice President of the Senate of the Parliament of The Bahamas, to its Board of Directors, a move aimed at strengthening trade, investment and economic cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean.

The appointment marks a significant step in deepening strategic Africa–Caribbean partnerships, particularly in the areas of trade facilitation, investment promotion and private-sector collaboration.

Senator Griffin currently serves as Chairman of The Bahamas Trade Commission and Chief Trade Negotiator for The Bahamas.

In these roles, he has been instrumental in shaping the country’s international trade policy, advancing economic diplomacy and expanding engagement with global markets.

The African Trade Chamber, a pan-African, private-sector–led institution, focuses on promoting intra-African trade, industrialisation and investment under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while also strengthening Africa’s trade relations with global partners. 

The Chamber said Senator Griffin’s appointment reflects its commitment to forging stronger South–South cooperation and expanding trade corridors between Africa and regions with shared historical and economic ties.

Commenting on the appointment, the Chamber noted that Senator Griffin brings extensive experience in trade negotiations, policy leadership and international economic engagement, which will add valuable global perspective to its work as Africa accelerates value-chain development, trade integration and investment mobilisation.

From the perspective of The Bahamas, the appointment is expected to enhance the country’s trade footprint, deepen engagement with Africa’s fast-growing markets and create opportunities for Bahamian businesses and institutions within emerging Africa–Caribbean trade and investment frameworks.

As a member of the Board of Directors, Senator Griffin will contribute to the Chamber’s strategic direction, participate in high-level policy and business dialogues and support initiatives aimed at connecting African and Caribbean governments, businesses and investors.

His appointment also coincides with his participation in the Africa Trade Summit, the Chamber’s flagship platform that brings together heads of state, senior ministers, development finance institutions and private-sector leaders to promote industrialisation, infrastructure development and trade-led economic transformation across the continent.