Ministers from the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) have adopted a series of decisions aimed at advancing the implementation of the Malabo Declaration, strengthening the organisation’s finances and governance, addressing trade concerns and expanding diaspora engagement following the 121st Session of the OACPS Council of Ministers in Brussels, Belgium.
The decisions, adopted during the 15-16 July meeting, cover ten key areas including a revised contributions formula, debt waivers for Somalia, Sudan and Cuba, implementation of the Malabo Declaration, accreditation of ambassadors, the United Kingdom’s tariff suspension on selected food products, resource mobilisation, the establishment of a diaspora centre of excellence in Nigeria, and preparations for the 122nd Session of the Council of Ministers.
The Council endorsed the Implementation Matrix and Road Map for the Malabo Declaration and mandated the Secretary-General to ensure its timely and effective implementation in consultation with Member States and the relevant organs of the organisation.
On financial governance, ministers agreed to retain the current contributions system based on a ceiling of seven percent and a floor of 0.2 percent while updating the data used to calculate members’ contributions.
The Council also approved debt waivers for Somalia, Sudan and Cuba, instructing the Committee of Ambassadors to determine how to address the financial implications arising from the decisions.
To strengthen institutional reform, ministers approved a manual governing the accreditation of OACPS ambassadors, saying the framework forms part of the organisation’s broader modernisation agenda and will enhance its credibility and effectiveness.
The Council also expressed concern over the United Kingdom’s temporary suspension of tariffs on selected food and agricultural products, including tuna, warning that the measure could reduce the value of long-standing trade preferences enjoyed by OACPS members.
Ministers requested the Secretariat to undertake technical studies, engage with UK authorities and explore measures to address members’ concerns.
On resource mobilisation, ministers commended King Mswati III for leading the organisation’s resource mobilisation initiative and called for a second international round table on sustainable financing to be held in 2027.
They also welcomed voluntary contributions made by member states during the session.
The Council approved the operational launch of the OACPS Centre of Excellence for the Diaspora in Nigeria and instructed the Secretary-General to conclude a host country agreement with the Nigerian Government and report progress at the next Council meeting.
Looking ahead, ministers agreed that Ethiopia will host the 122nd Session of the OACPS Council of Ministers, with the exact date to be confirmed.
