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Antigua and Barbuda to Launch New Financial Inclusion Products in 2025

07 December 2024
This content originally appeared on Antigua News Room.
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The government of Antigua and Barbuda is set to introduce innovative financial products in 2025 aimed at increasing economic participation and wealth creation among citizens.

These initiatives, announced during Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s Budget presentation, include government savings bonds, opportunities to invest in public-private sector projects, and crowd-funding platforms.

“Our goal is to empower citizens to actively participate in the growth and development of our nation by creating avenues for investment and wealth generation,” Browne stated. “This is about expanding the ownership class and ensuring that economic opportunities are accessible to all.”

The proposed financial products represent a significant shift in the government’s approach to fostering economic inclusion. By introducing accessible investment options, the government aims to enable citizens to grow their savings, earn higher returns, and contribute to the country’s economic resilience.

The new initiatives include:

  • Government Savings Bonds: A low-risk investment option designed to offer returns that exceed current bank interest rates.
  • Shares in Public-Private Sector Projects: Opportunities for citizens to invest in major national projects, such as infrastructure development and renewable energy initiatives.
  • Crowd-Funding Opportunities: Platforms where citizens can pool resources to fund business ventures and community projects, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.

“These products are designed to give ordinary Antiguans and Barbudans the tools to secure their financial futures while contributing to national progress,” Browne explained.

The introduction of these financial instruments comes at a time when traditional savings options offer limited returns, often failing to keep pace with inflation. Prime Minister Browne emphasized the need to provide alternatives that deliver better outcomes for citizens.

“Our objective is to create opportunities for our people to earn returns that exceed the rate of inflation,” Browne said. “This is about giving citizens access to superior investment options that grow their wealth over time.”

The government sees these initiatives as a way to broaden economic inclusion and reduce wealth inequality. By enabling more citizens to invest in national development projects, the government aims to foster a sense of ownership and shared responsibility for the country’s progress.

“This is not just about investment; it is about inclusion,” Browne remarked. “We want every citizen to feel that they have a stake in the success of our nation.”

The launch of these financial products is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the country’s financial sector and stimulate economic growth. The government also aims to enhance financial literacy through public education campaigns, ensuring that citizens can make informed decisions about their investments.

“This is a bold step toward creating a more resilient and inclusive economy,” Browne stated. “By expanding the tools available to our people, we are laying the foundation for sustainable growth and shared prosperity.”

In addition to wealth creation, the government’s crowd-funding initiative is expected to drive innovation and entrepreneurship. Aspiring business owners and community leaders will have a platform to secure funding for their ideas, fostering economic diversification and job creation.

“This is about unleashing the potential of our people,” Browne said. “We are giving entrepreneurs and innovators the resources they need to succeed.”

The government plans to roll out these financial products in stages throughout 2025, with an emphasis on accessibility and transparency. Citizens are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities to secure their financial futures while contributing to national development.

“Our vision is clear: an economy where every citizen has the tools to build wealth and a society where everyone can prosper,” Browne concluded.

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