African, Caribbean and Pacific Countries (ACP)

United by the Sea, Guided by Solidarity

The African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) is a political and economic alliance of 79 countries, united by shared development goals, historical ties, and challenges in international trade.

Formed in 1975 with the signing of the Georgetown Agreement, the ACP focuses on inclusive growth, sustainable development, and stronger participation in global trade – especially for small island nations and landlocked countries that rely on maritime access.

In 2022, the group was renamed the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) – but “ACP” is still widely used.

Maritime Trade Importance

Many ACP countries are heavily reliant on maritime trade to access global markets. Their economies depend on:

• Shipping of agricultural and raw materials (e.g. cocoa, coffee, oil, timber, fish)
• Tourism linked to cruise routes and ferry services
• Port infrastructure as national lifelines

Yet, many face infrastructure, funding, and climate vulnerability challenges.

What ACP/OACPS Does

1. Trade Advocacy

• Amplifies the voice of small and vulnerable economies in global forums (e.g. WTO, UNCTAD)

2. Regional Integration Support

• Encourages harmonised trade policies within Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific
• Supports maritime corridors and shared customs strategies

3. Partnerships with the EU

• Through agreements like the Cotonou Agreement and the Post-Cotonou Framework, the EU and ACP collaborate on trade, port development, climate adaptation, and connectivity.

4. Climate and Resilience Programs

• Promotes coastal protection, port reinforcement, and blue economy strategies

5. Capacity Building & Technical Support
Offers training, project funding, and policy guidance for port authorities, customs teams, and trade ministries

Shared Maritime Realities

While geographically dispersed, ACP countries face many common maritime trade realities:

• Dependence on a few key ports
• High logistics costs
• Exposure to sea-level rise, storms, and climate risks
• Need for investment in green and digital port solutions

Through OACPS, members share solutions, strategies, and solidarity across oceans.

Building Equity Across Oceans

The ACP/OACPS vision is grounded in fairness and access – ensuring that even the smallest island or inland country has a seat at the global trade table.

It reflects a quiet determination: to sail not behind the world, but alongside it.

Reflection Question

Why is regional cooperation like ACP important for smaller or more vulnerable maritime countries?