In her first major public address as Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey unveiled a bold vision to reposition the Commonwealth as a powerhouse for global trade, investment, and inclusive development.
Speaking at the 2025 Commonwealth Trade & Investment Summit held at Mansion House in the City of London, Botchwey called for a renewed focus on trade as a driver of transformation and shared prosperity.
“I am here because trade is a central priority for the Commonwealth under my leadership,” she said.
“I want trade and investment to be at the heart of the Commonwealth’s renewal.”
Addressing a high-level audience that included Lord Marland, the Lord Mayor of London, His Excellency Dr. Hussain Ali Mwinyi, ministers, and business leaders, the newly appointed Secretary-General emphasized the urgent need for cooperation amid global instability.
“We meet at a moment of great disruption and uncertainty,” she noted. “The sweeping tariffs implemented last week shook markets around the world. Some target Commonwealth countries directly. All of us are affected.”
Botchwey lamented the failure of the status quo, saying, “This is very far from business as usual. And business as usual wasn’t working for the Commonwealth.” She highlighted the strength of the bloc’s collaborative potential: “In a time of fragmentation, we offer connection. Amid uncertainty, we offer trust. When others raise barriers, we build bridges.”
Commonwealth Trade Advantage
Underscoring the economic power of the 56-nation grouping, Botchwey said, “Today, trade among Commonwealth countries is 21% cheaper. We invest more in one another than ever before. We share legal systems, language, and long-standing relationships. This is our Commonwealth Trade Advantage.”
But she stressed that the advantage must be translated into opportunity. “It must become a Commonwealth Trade Opportunity — for everyone,” she declared.
A Clear Agenda: Inclusion, Innovation and Investment
Outlining her leadership priorities, Botchwey articulated a three-pillar strategy for Commonwealth economic development: inclusivity, innovation, and investment.
“Inclusive, by ensuring that all Commonwealth nations — especially small states, landlocked countries, and underrepresented businesses — are part of our larger Commonwealth market,” she explained, citing the bloc’s population of 2.7 billion people as a collective strength.
“Innovative, by embracing digital trade, harmonising regulation, and supporting entrepreneurs — particularly women and young people — to drive the economy of tomorrow,” she continued.
“Investable, by strengthening partnerships, unlocking blended finance, and channelling capital to where it is needed most to bring the greatest impact to all of us.”
From Vision to Action
Botchwey was clear that this was not just rhetoric, but a detailed action plan. “This is more than a vision – it is a work programme which will become a central priority for the Commonwealth under my leadership.”
She pledged to partner with all stakeholders, stating, “We will listen, we will innovate, we will collaborate – and together we will place trade, investment and economic resilience at the heart of Commonwealth’s agenda.”
Looking ahead, Botchwey said the journey will culminate in the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua & Barbuda next year.
“Today, at this milestone Trade & Investment Summit, I am firing the starting gun on the race to the next CHOGM,” she said.
The next step in the journey, she revealed, will be the Commonwealth Business Summit in Namibia this June, where stakeholders from across sectors will work on “real, practical solutions” to barriers in trade, digital access, SME development, and green investment.
A Call to Ambition
In her concluding remarks, Botchwey issued a rallying cry to Commonwealth nations and partners: “The Commonwealth today is a network of purpose and promise. A platform for progress. A home for ambition.”
Acknowledging the challenges of the global landscape, she added, “At a time when trust is low, when multilateralism is fraying, and when too many are left out — our Commonwealth stands in bold relief as the place to do global business.”
“The only barrier to success is the fear of thinking big,” she affirmed.
“We can and must turn our shared values into shared prosperity. I hope we can seize this moment — together.”
The summit marked a new chapter for the Commonwealth under Botchwey’s leadership — one aimed at forging meaningful partnerships, driving sustainable development, and ensuring that every citizen feels the impact of Commonwealth cooperation.
-BY Issah Olegor
