The African Trade Chamber (ATC) has announced the appointment of Anthony G. Hylton, former Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce of Jamaica, to its Advisory Board, in a move aimed at strengthening economic cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean.

The appointment, which was announced in Accra and Kingston, underscores the Chamber’s commitment to deepening strategic trade and industrial linkages between the African and Caribbean economies with shared development priorities and historical ties.

Mr Hylton is regarded as one of the Caribbean’s most experienced figures in trade and industrial policy. 

During his tenure as Jamaica’s Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, he played a key role in advancing export development, promoting investment, reforming special economic zones, and improving private-sector competitiveness. 

He also helped position Jamaica more firmly within global and South–South trade frameworks.

The African Trade Chamber, a pan-African, private sector–led organisation, focuses on accelerating intra-African trade, industrialisation, and investment under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while strengthening Africa’s global trade partnerships. 

The Chamber said Mr Hylton’s appointment reflects its intention to build durable economic bridges between Africa and the Caribbean.

According to the ATC, Mr Hylton brings extensive expertise in industrial policy, trade negotiations, export competitiveness, and investment facilitation, which will be valuable as African economies pursue value addition, regional market integration, and stronger value chains. 

The Chamber added that his experience would also support Caribbean efforts to gain greater access to Africa’s expanding markets.

For Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, the appointment is expected to open new opportunities to enhance participation in Africa-focused trade and investment discussions, encourage Caribbean businesses to explore African markets, and deepen collaboration in areas such as industrial development, logistics, and trade in services.

As a member of the Advisory Board, Mr Hylton will provide strategic guidance to the African Trade Chamber on policy direction, international partnerships, and private-sector engagement. 

He is also expected to contribute to high-level platforms convened by the Chamber, including the Africa Trade Summit, which brings together heads of state, senior government officials, development finance institutions, and business leaders from across the continent.