Barbados to Host GUBA Awards 2025 in Historic First!

A Bold Step Towards Reuniting Africa and the Caribbean

Under the theme “Reclaiming Our Atlantic Destiny: Build. Connect. Renew.” this momentous event series seeks to deepen cultural and economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean, fostering meaningful partnerships in trade, investment, and heritage.

President & Founder of GUBA Enterprise, Lady Dentaa Amoateng, MBE excitedly shared, “This is more than an awards show, it is a reconnection with the African continent. Barbados offers a symbolic gateway as we renew our shared destiny across the Atlantic.”

The November 10^th to 12^th 2025 edition is being hosted in partnership with the Government of Barbados, with key support from the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), Invest Barbados, the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), and the Barbados High Commission in Ghana.

Barbados High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Juliette Bynoe‑Sutherland said, “We are so proud to partner with GUBA to make tangible the ongoing discourse about bridging the gap between Africa and the Caribbean. We are also pleased to see the level of support from leading agencies in tourism, culture and investment, which signals the growing strategic importance of Africa and its diaspora in national development.”

Since its inception, the GUBA Awards have been held in the UK, USA, Ghana, and Rwanda. The BTMI’s Chief Product Development Officer, Ms. Marsha Alleyne also highlighted the significance of the collaboration. “Hosting the GUBA Awards is another exciting first for Barbados. This partnership underscores our island’s connection to the African continent and reflects the growing interest from emerging markets.” Ms. Alleyne added, “We believe this event will strengthen our cultural ties and increase our visibility to a wider international audience.”

The Chief Executive Officer of the NCF, Ms. Carol Roberts, emphasised the special timing of the awards, which is coming on the heels of several major events on the island, and providing opportunities for visitors to experience multiple exciting activities. “This is the perfect time and the perfect year for Barbados and the African diaspora to collaborate. The GUBA awards will come after we have welcomed the world to the Crop Over Festival, to CARIFESTA and on the cusp of GUBA, the Barbados Food and Rum Festival. Believe us when we tell you, there is always something happening in Barbados.”

Highlights of GUBA Barbados 2025

• GUBA Trade and Investment Forum: A two-day conference bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and investors across Africa and the Caribbean to forge practical trade and development alliances.
• Cultural Showcase: A vibrant celebration of Afro-Caribbean creativity, fashion, music, and heritage.
• GUBA Awards Ceremony: A prestigious evening recognising excellence in leadership, enterprise, innovation, and impact across the African diaspora.
• Diplomatic Reception at Ilaro Court: An elegant gathering hosted at the official residence of the Prime Minister of Barbados, celebrating diplomatic progress and unity between Africa and the Caribbean.

The GUBA platform shines a spotlight on cultural icons and change-makers. Past honourees include:

• Angélique Kidjo – Grammy-winning global music icon and humanitarian
• Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala – Director-General of the World Trade Organization
• Wode Maya – African storyteller and digital influencer
• Harvey Mason Jr – CEO of the Recording Academy (Grammys)
• Bozoma Saint John – Former Netflix Global CMO and marketing executive
• Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus – Director-General, World Health Organization
• June Sarpong OBE – Broadcaster and diversity champion

Notable past guests have included:

• Danny Glover – Renowned actor and humanitarian
• Sadiq Khan – Mayor of London
• Jean-Claude Kassi Brou – Former President, ECOWAS Commission

Join the GUBA Chartered Flight from Accra, Ghana to Barbados

Visitors from the Continent can be part of this historic occasion by securing a seat on the exclusive direct GUBA charter flight from Accra to Barbados. As spaces are limited, interested persons can email info@gubaawards.com or visit www.gubaawards.com/travel for more information.

About GUBA

The Grow, Unite, Build Africa (GUBA) Enterprise is a conglomerate comprising the GUBA Awards, GUBA Foundation, GUBA Trade Expo, GUBA Careers, GUBA Tours, and the GUBA Diaspora Network.

GUBA Enterprise represents a dynamic movement dedicated to advancing diaspora Africans and those on the Continent. Through strategic partnerships, innovative programmes, and community-driven initiatives, GUBA Enterprise creates opportunities for growth, fosters cultural exchange, and champions the collective potential of Africa and its people.

The GUBA Awards, the founding initiative under the enterprise, were established in 2009 to recognise and honour the achievements of exceptional individuals and institutions of African heritage. It has since evolved into a global platform for strengthening connections between Africa and its diaspora.

For media enquiries, contact the Press Officer on +233 24 515 6705 or email info@gubaawards.co.uk.

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The island of Barbados is a Caribbean gem rich in cultural, heritage, sporting, culinary and eco experiences. It is surrounded by idyllic white sand beaches and is the only coral island in the Caribbean. With over 400 restaurants and eateries, Barbados is the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean and home to the Caribbean’s Best Culinary Festival, the Barbados Food and Rum Festival. The island is also known as the birthplace of rum, commercially producing and bottling the finest blends since the 1700s.

The island also hosts events like the annual Crop Over Festival, where A-lists celebrities like our very own Rihanna are often spotted, and the annual Run Barbados Marathon, the largest marathon in the Caribbean. As the motorsport island, it is home to the leading circuit-racing facility in the English-speaking Caribbean. Known as a sustainable destination, Barbados won the Green Destinations Story Award for Environment and Climate in 2023 and was listed as one of the Best World Travel Destinations for 2025 by National Geographic. Accommodations on the island are wide and varied, ranging from picturesque private villas to quaint boutique hotels, cozy Airbnbs, prestigious international chains and award-winning five-diamond resorts. Travelling to this paradise is a breeze as the Grantley Adams International Airport offers a variety non-stop and direct services from growing U.S., U.K., Canadian, Caribbean, European, and Latin American gateways. Arriving by ship is also easy as Barbados is a marquee port with calls from the world’s best cruise and luxury liners. So, it’s about time that you Visit Barbados and experience all that this 166-square-mile isle has to offer.

For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org, follow on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/VisitBarbados, and via Twitter @Barbados.