As communities in Jamaica and Haiti begin the long road to recovery after the devastation of Hurricane Melissa, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced a US$1.1 million donation aimed at easing human suffering and supporting national rebuilding efforts in the two Caribbean states.
The funding, announced in October, will see Jamaica receive US$600,000 and Haiti US$500,000. Beyond its monetary value, the contribution carries strong symbolic and political weight, reinforcing South-South cooperation at a time when climate-related disasters are placing growing pressure on vulnerable economies.
Hurricane Melissa tore through the northern Caribbean with destructive winds, flooding and storm surges, reaching Category 5 strength in Jamaica. According to the United Nations, more than 1.6 million people were affected in Jamaica alone, with thousands displaced, livelihoods disrupted and critical infrastructure damaged. In Haiti, already grappling with political transition and economic hardship, the storm further strained fragile social systems.
Afreximbank President, Dr. George Elombi, conveyed the Bank’s solidarity during separate meetings with Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council Chairman, Laurent Saint-Cyr, and Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness. The discussions went beyond condolences, signaling Afreximbank’s intent to remain engaged as a long-term development partner rather than a one-off donor.
For affected communities, the immediate impact of the funding is expected to support emergency relief, restore basic services and help families begin rebuilding homes and small businesses. These efforts are critical in regions where storms often push already vulnerable households deeper into poverty, disrupt education, and weaken local economies.
At a political level, the intervention strengthens ties between Africa and the Caribbean, highlighting Afreximbank’s expanding role as a global development financier. Both Jamaica and Haiti are member states of the Bank, and the engagement underscores how multilateral African institutions are increasingly contributing to solutions beyond the continent.
Dr. Elombi emphasised that the Bank’s response is rooted in shared experience and collective resilience. “We recognise the scale of damage to vital infrastructure and to people’s livelihoods” – he said, adding that Afreximbank remains committed to helping countries prepare for future climate shocks.
Continue reading with Eandel
Subscribe to unlock the complete story and receive your subscriber benefits.
