5 - 6 February 2026
Namibia’s African Success Template for Global Growth and Sustainability
The 5th Canada-Africa Business Conference was headline sponsored by B2Gold and hosted by The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, in the week preceding the Investing in African Mining Indaba.
Watch the Proceedings
February 5, 2026
| 08:00 | Arrival & Registration |
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09:00
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Opening Ceremony, including Official Addresses Government of the Republic of Namibia, Paula Caldwell St-Onge, Chair of the Board of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business Message from the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Mark Carney Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati, Executive Director, International Relations and Trade, representing Hon. Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Minister of International Relations and Trade, on behalf of the President of the Republic of Namibia, Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. H.E. James Christoff, High Commissioner of Canada to the Republic of Namibia Ambassador Ben Marc Diendéré, Canada’s Special Envoy for Africa, Permanent Observer to the African Union and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Garreth Bloor, President, The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business Master of Ceremonies: Denver Kisting, Award-Winning Journalist and TV Presenter |
| Welcome Address - Keys to Success in Africa, the B2Gold Experience: Neil Reeder, Vice President, Government Relations, B2Gold Corp | |
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10:00
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Panel Session 1: Global Partners in Natural Resource Development John Roos, Country Manager, B2Gold Namibia Greg Hayes, Vice President, WA/Africa, Ausenco Moderator: Jeff Adams, Global Director, Uranium at Hatch |
| 10:45 | Tea/Coffee Break |
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11:15
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Panel Session 2: Sustainability and Community Development: Case Studies in Best Practice Including: Dr. Chris Brown, CEO, Namibian Chamber of Environment Craig Simmer, Regional Director: Infrastructure (AEM Region), Hatch Dr. Laurie Marker, Executive Director, Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) Moderator: Garreth Bloor, President, The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business |
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12:00 |
Private Sector Keynote - Joe Lombard, Vice Chairman, Hatch |
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12:30 |
Networking Luncheon |
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13:30
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Panel Session 3: Diversification through the Catalytic Role of Natural Resource Development Discover the opportunities in Namibia's business sectors, enabled through natural resource development projects and anchored in a sustainable future. Gys Joubert, Managing Director, Gondwana Collection John Roos, Country Manager (Namibia), B2Gold Corp Moderator: Denver Kisting, Award-Winning Journalist and TV Presenter |
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14:15
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Session 4: Canada's African-focused Business Leaders & Industries Hear from prospective Canadian partners who are driving trade and investment, including in ICT and clean tech, including the vital work of the Trade Commissioner Service - supporting Canadian partners to African businesses. Alex George, Senior Trade Commissioner, Government of Canada Presentation by Mitraj Lochab, Trade Manager - Africa, Sealion Cargo |
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15:00
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Session 5: African Success Stories for Global Application – Insights from business leaders and private sector experts who’ve pioneered best practice in Namibia Explore case studies in success through partnerships undertaken to date, including the role of the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) in financing Namibia's African Success Stories, as well as the key role of shipping and logistics accelerating Canada-Africa trade and investment. Opening Remarks: Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB): Jessica Hauuanga, Chief Executive Office, NIPDB Namibia: A Global Leader Goose Mine - Canadian Growth Grounded in African Insights from Namibia In conversation with James Mnyupe, Senior Vice President Sub-Saharan Africa, thyssenkrupp Uhde Listed and Private Financing: Canada and Namibia - Model Partners for Growth and Investment (Wayne Floreani, President, MineAfrica). In conversation Wayne Floreani, President, MineAfrica Carl Joone, President & Co-Founder, Ongwe Minerals Inc |
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16:15
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Closing Keynote Address Business Partnerships in Namibia: An African-built Success Template for a Sustainable, Growing Global Economy Dr. Leake S Hangala, Non-Executive Director, Hangala Group (Pty) Ltd |
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17:00 |
VIP Reception |
Day 2 comprised B2B meetings for members in Windhoek, as well as a site visit to B2Gold's operations (by invitation to a representative of each conference sponsor).
Preceding the conference on February 4th members were invited to join an optional add-on: a golf day the Windhoek Country Club - a chance to meet fellow members and guests ahead of the official program which commenced on February 5th.
View previous Canada-Africa Business Conference programs here: Lusaka, Harare, Nairobi and Gaborone, as well as one following the same format in Washington, DC and Kolwezi, DRC.
