Building Bridges: How African-Caribbean Trade with Michigan Can Sustain Urban Communities

by Akindele Akinyemi, Principal of the GABA Marketplace Center

Increasing trade between the African-Caribbean diaspora and the state of Michigan represents a powerful opportunity to foster economic growth while addressing sustainability in our local urban communities. By leveraging Africa's abundant resources and creating strong trade ties, we can boost tax revenues in Michigan cities, drive job creation, and support long-term economic mobility for historically underserved populations.

The next 30 years will demand forward-thinking strategies to adapt to an increasingly interconnected global economy. Digital connectivity is key to this transformation. With robust technological infrastructure, we can streamline trade processes, foster collaboration across continents, and empower businesses in both Michigan and the Caribbean to thrive. Utilizing Africa as an economic resource not only strengthens trade pipelines for raw materials like lithium, agro-products, and sesame seeds but also helps small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Michigan access new markets for products and services.

By establishing sustainable value chains between Africa, the Caribbean, and Michigan, local urban communities stand to gain significant tax revenue to fund public services, education, and infrastructure improvements. These trade relationships can also create new opportunities for minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, paving the way for equitable growth. Africa’s position as a resource powerhouse must be matched with investments in logistics, workforce development, and global leadership training to ensure that trade partnerships benefit everyone involved. Strengthening these connections is more than an economic initiative—it is a path toward resilience, shared prosperity, and a brighter future for the diaspora.