Building on over 70 years of strong relations with African nations, Canada is committed to fostering deeper, mutually beneficial partnerships with Africa. Home to the world’s youngest population and one of the fastest-growing middle classes, Africa is a dynamic continent of increasing geopolitical and economic significance.

Canada recognizes that sustainable development requires a foundation of democracy, human rights, peace, and security. Canada’s strengthened engagement with African partners addresses these global challenges, rooted in the people-to-people ties and shared values between Canadians and Africans.

In alignment with this commitment, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly; Minister of Export Promotion, Mary Ng; and Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen, announced new flagship initiatives during the Canada–African Union Commission High-Level Dialogue held in Toronto, Ontario. These initiatives reflect Canada’s vision for partnership, supporting multilateral, regional, and bilateral initiatives with the African Union and various African nations.

After extensive consultations with African, Canadian, and international stakeholders, including government, civil society, business, diaspora communities, and academia, Canada unveiled its key focus areas and concrete commitments, including $54.4 million in funding for peace and security, governance, and stronger people-to-people ties.

Strengthening Peace and Security

Canada is investing in peace and security across Africa, with a focus on:

– Supporting youth and women in peace processes.
– Enhancing community-led conflict prevention in Darfur and supporting civilian-led efforts in Sudan.
– Building counterterrorism and resilience capacities.
– Working to prevent violent extremism and address gender-based violence.

Expanding Diplomatic Engagement in Africa

Canada is also enhancing its diplomatic presence on the continent by:

– Appointing Special Envoys for Africa and the Sahel.
– Establishing a full high commission in Zambia and a full embassy in Benin.
– Launching a new diaspora engagement mechanism.

Minister Joly formalized Canada’s relationship with the African Union Commission with a memorandum of understanding, setting the stage for future cooperation.

Strengthening Economic Partnerships

To foster sustainable trade and economic opportunities, Minister Ng announced initiatives to bolster economic partnerships with Africa, including:

– Establishing a Pan-African Trade Hub.
– Increasing private sector engagement.
– Leading a Trade Mission to Africa.

Canada is also preparing to formalize the Canada-Nigeria Air Transport Agreement, which will enhance bilateral air travel and trade, with similar negotiations underway with Ghana.

Supporting Poverty Reduction and Development Goals

Canada continues to address poverty reduction, humanitarian needs, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), guided by Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Minister Hussen announced $176.64 million in funding dedicated to advancing gender equality, youth empowerment, and climate resilience through projects such as:

– The Women’s Empowerment through Sustainable Entrepreneurship (WESE) in Morocco.
– The Accelerating Women’s Business Growth (AWBG) initiative.
– The Climate Resilience through Empowering Women project.
– The Urban Productive Safety Nets and Jobs Program (UPSNJP).
– Programs supporting economic empowerment in Senegal, South Africa, and Kenya.

These flagship initiatives underscore Canada’s role as a trusted partner to African nations and highlight Canada’s commitment to global trade, human rights, development, and peace amid today’s complex global challenges. This renewed partnership forms the backbone of Canada’s forthcoming Africa Strategy, positioning Canada and Africa for shared success and resilience in the future.