Lagos, Nigeria
24-25 June 2026
Financing the Global Growth Engine: The Role of Nigeria as an Investment Destination & Gateway to the World’s Largest Untapped Opportunities
The Canada–Africa Business Conference is the Canada–Africa Chamber of Business’ premier platform for advancing trade, investment, and strategic partnerships between Canada and African markets. Convening senior business leaders, government representatives, investors, and development institutions, the 6th Conference - headline sponsored by Zenith Bank Plc in partnership with the Deputy High Commission of Canada - provided a high-level forum to explore opportunities across key sectors, including mining, infrastructure, energy, finance, and critical minerals.
We welcomed dozens of Canadian companies to Lagos among the hundreds of participants who joined us.
View the photos, the video highlights, or the entire program recording below:
Download the Conference Guide to the Canadian Delegation,
including the Official Message from Prime Minister Mark Carney
Join the Chamber- View Membership Info
Day 1 featured a high-level conference agenda, including an Official Opening Ceremony, keynote addresses, and panel discussions with senior leaders from business, government, and industry, followed by an exclusive VIP Reception on the evening of Day 1..
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08:00 |
Arrival of delegates with a Light Breakfast |
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08:30 |
Opening Ceremony, including official messages from the Governments of Nigeria and Canada Call to Order - Garreth Bloor, President, The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business Opening Remarks: Ret. Ambassador, Paula Caldwell St-Onge, Chair of the Board of Directors, The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business Official Message from the Prime Minister of Canada, The Right Honourable Mark Carney Hon. Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, Government of Canada Hon. Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Federal Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment of Nigeria, represented by Dr. Rachel Mandi George, Head, Trade Department, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria His Excellency Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Executive Governor of Lagos State, represented by Hon. Folashade Ambrose |
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09:30 |
Keynote Conference Address – Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON - Group Managing Director/CEO, Zenith Bank Plc |
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10:00 |
Session 1 - Panel: Financing Africa's Next Growth Story Using our Zenith Bank Plc's work as a case study, we explore the role of Nigeria, its private sector and their partners, across Canada and African markets, in financing (and developing) projects across the African continent Claude Clodomir, Partnerships & Business Development Advisor · MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Associates) |
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10:45 |
Hon. Rob Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Canada |
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11:15 |
Session 2 - Panel: Nigeria’s Global Emerging Industries With the world’s largest youth population and the third largest overall globally by 2050, an exploration of industries (and key players therein) who are accelerating business with a global impact. |
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12:00 |
Private Sector Keynote Session & High-Level Remarks Mohammed Abdul-Razaq, Senior Vice President & Head Capital Mobilization & Partnerships, African Finance Corporation Steve Tipman, Executive Director, Trade Facilitation Office, Canada |
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13:00 |
Luncheon |
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14:00 |
Session 3 - Panel: The Catalytic Role of the Nigerian Economy for Worldwide Impact Following existing successes profiled, we will explore new opportunities in Nigeria as an investment destination, exchanging best practice with Canadian peers. |
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14:45 15:45 |
Session 4: African Success Stories for Global Application – Insights from business leaders and private sector experts who’re pioneering best practice in Nigeria Dare Art Alade, Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder, Livespot 360 |
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16:00 |
Closing Address: Garreth Bloor, President, The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business Nigeria: An African-built Success Template for a Sustainable, Growing Global Economy |
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16:30 |
Break for delegates to prepare for the Official VIP Reception |
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17:30 |
VIP Reception - Location: Deputy High Commission of Canada |
“I would like to recognize the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business for convening leaders from across Canada and Africa to advance investment, trade, and partnership—connecting businesses and institutions to drive practical collaboration and shared growth.”
Message from the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Mark Carney to the 5th Canada-Africa Business Conference
Designed to deliver both insight and outcomes, the program combines keynote addresses, executive panels, and targeted networking with practical, transaction-focused engagement. With participation from Canadian and African stakeholders alike, the Conference reflects a shared commitment to economic growth, private sector leadership, and long-term partnership.
Day 2 comprised an intimate executive networking program for sponsoring members. Following an opportunity for B2B meetings, we have a visit to GardaWorld Security's extensive Africa operations, headquartered in Lagos. Day 2 concludes with our VIP Reception at the Elemo Royal Resort Palace, hosted by The Oba-Elect/Baale, Alhaji Adedayo Thomas, PhD, of Mafoluku Asalu-Elemo of Ilemo Land - whose traditional authority is associated with Mafoluku/Ajao Estate in Oshodi-Isolo, Lagos State.
Dr. Adedayo Thomas is also well known for his longstanding engagement in Nigeria’s film industry, including through his former national role in film and video regulation as Executive Director/CEO from 2017 to 2024. He has been active in Canada over the years, particularly through the Toronto International Film Festival, where he has been a regular attendee representing and promoting Nigeria’s film industry. He has also participated in and addressed Canada-Africa Chamber of Business events in Toronto, including Africa Accelerating.
As part of the Chamber’s 30+ year track record of convening impactful dialogue, the Conference plays a catalytic role in supporting Canada’s trade diversification objectives and deepening commercial ties with the African continent.