The high-level meeting, held in Brussels from 15–16 July 2026, brought together more than 200 delegates, including 25 ministers responsible for finance, trade and economic development from the organisation’s 79 Member States.
The session was chaired by The Gambia’s Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs, Hon. Seedy K.M. Keita, in his capacity as President of the OACPS Council of Ministers.
Opening the meeting, Minister Keita said the strength of the OACPS lies in its shared identity and common cultural values, which unite Member States across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. He stressed that the organisation remains committed to improving the lives of its people through economic transformation, expanded trade and investment, private sector growth, and greater opportunities for women and young people.
He urged Member States to sustain the momentum generated by the 11th OACPS Summit in Malabo by providing the political leadership and ownership needed to implement decisions adopted by Heads of State and Government.
Minister Keita also called for stronger governance structures, enhanced financial sustainability and greater institutional effectiveness to position the organisation to respond to emerging global challenges and deliver tangible benefits for its citizens.
The Council reviewed progress made under The Gambia’s presidency, highlighting key milestones including the successful convening of the 11th Summit of Heads of State and Government in Malabo, the adoption of the Malabo Declaration and its accompanying Implementation Matrix, as well as advances in the OACPS Transformation Agenda.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for Honourable Justice Veronic Wright, The Gambia’s candidate for election as a judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC), to formally present her candidature to the Council of Ministers and seek the support of member states ahead of the election.
The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States is a bloc of 79 countries that works to promote sustainable development, regional cooperation, trade, investment and stronger political partnerships among its member states.
The successful chairing of the Council further underscores The Gambia’s increasing role in regional and international diplomacy and its commitment to advancing cooperation among developing nations
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