News & Information

Barbados To Host GUBA Awards 2025 In Historic First

For the first time in its history, the prestigious GUBA Awards will be hosted in the Caribbean, with Barbados leading the way as the proud host nation for the 2025 edition this November. This landmark 16th edition marks a major milestone for the Grow, Unite, Build Africa (GUBA) Enterprise, as it extends its influential celebration of African excellence to the shores of 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 and Founder of GUBA Enterprise, Lady Dentaa Amoateng, 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 to 12, 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, 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, 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, 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.

Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.

Author: Public Relations