The Right Honourable Prime Minister, Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane, joined 56 Heads of Government in an Executive Session at the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda.
The closed-door session focused on two key areas: Trade and Investment; and Systemic Issues, Climate Finance and Investing in People.
The discussions followed preparatory work by Foreign Ministers, who met under the chairmanship of Antigua and Barbuda’s Foreign Minister, Hon. Everly Paul Chet Greene. The Ministers considered reports from various Commonwealth institutions and forums and prepared the CHOGM 2026 Communiqué for endorsement by Leaders.
During the Executive Session, Prime Minister Matekane and fellow Commonwealth Leaders endorsed the final Communiqué, themed “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.”
The Communiqué is accompanied by an investment pipeline of 69 projects valued at US$34 billion, submitted by 20 member countries. The projects cover key sectors, including energy, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, transport and the green economy.
The endorsement follows the official opening ceremony held at the National Performing Arts Centre, attended by Prime Minister Matekane, His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
In his opening address, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Hon. Gaston Browne, called for action-oriented discussions, inclusive dialogue on reparatory justice, faster access to climate finance and debt arrangements that enable vulnerable countries to recover from disasters.
Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Botchwey, highlighted the potential of small states, while announcing that member countries had submitted investment projects valued at US$52 billion and reaffirming the ambition to grow intra-Commonwealth trade towards US$2 trillion.
The meeting provides an important platform for Commonwealth Leaders to strengthen partnerships, promote investment and advance shared priorities towards a more prosperous, inclusive and resilient Commonwealth.
Source: Department of Information, PR Unit. 04/11/2026
