Commonwealth launches US$30-billion investment platform ahead of CHOGM

The Commonwealth Secretariat has launched an investment platform featuring more than 60 projects valued at approximately US$30 billion, as it seeks to attract financing for initiatives across 20 member countries. According to a release on Tuesday, the Commonwealth Investment Platform showcases opportunities in energy, transport, agriculture, manufacturing and the green economy ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda next month. Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey said the initiative could help mobilise investment, create jobs, strengthen resilience and support industrialisation across member countries. The platform forms part of Botchwey’s efforts to address economic challenges facing vulnerable economies, particularly small states and least developed countries, by attracting investment to support sustainable growth. For the first time, CHOGM will bring together government and business leaders to explore investment opportunities. The upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Trade Review projects that the Commonwealth’s combined gross domestic product of US$15.9 trillion in 2025 will increase to US$16.9 trillion in 2026 and US$20 trillion by 2029. The projects featured on the platform were selected based on their investment readiness, potential for sustainable development and commercial viability. CHOGM 2026 will be held in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, from November 1 to 4. It will be the first meeting of Commonwealth Heads of Government convened by Botchwey since she took office in April 2025.