The Chamber's longest-serving sponsor, Goodmans LLP, welcoming as host on Day 2, welcoming delegates to Bay Street. Our Networking Luncheon was followed by the DRC Ministerial Forum: Market Opportunities for Trade & Investment, led by H.E. Louis Watum, Minister of Industry and SMEs.
Minister Watum noted that "after peaking at 8.9% in 2022, real GDP growth in the DRC remained robust at 8.4% in 2023," while remaining consistently among the best in the world which are dominated by African markets.
Business opportunities presented for private sector expansion include energy, infrastructure, critical minerals and local beneficiation, agriculture and agribusiness, healthcare, e-commerce and waste-to-energy.
"Given the increased level of confidence the IMF granted last week a new package of 2.8 B$ for the DRC over the next 3 years, thanks to reforms and efforts recognized in areas below," added Minister Watum:
- Tighter discipline in public spending
- Increased mobilization of public funds and revenues
- Fight against corruption and fiscal fraud
- Improved business climate
- Integration of climate considerations in managing public funds
- Progress in diversifying the economy
Our 4th panel focused on Zimbabwe, recapping the outcomes 3rd Canada-Africa Business Conference in Harare last month. In addition to mining, energy and ICT, the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency has identified tourism, manufacturing and agriculture as among the key opportunities, highlighted by the agency's CEO.
Tafadzwa Chinamo, CEO of the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA), presented the various sectors of opportunity in Zimbabwe. The two-day program last month convened hundreds of leading decision-makers to accelerate Canada-Africa trade and investment. In addition to our conference program on Day 1 at the Cresta Harare, members joined us on Day 2 for a site visit program focused on mining and energy at Zimplats in the Mashonaland West Province. In Review: Download the Official Program
We once again thank our headline Chamber sponsor Elephant Trade-Services, as well as the vitally important role of Hatch as a Major Sponsor in the event, in the 3rd Canada-Africa Business Conference (Canadian delegate and conference photos below)
Our concluding session on Day 2, Accelerating Market Solutions: From Education to Healthcare and the Environment welcomed Henry Lukenge, CEO and President, Nexim Heathcare Consultants Inc
Henry Lukenge serves as a major sponsor of the Chamber through Nexim Healthcare. Chamber President, Garreth Bloor concluded the interview, citing recent coverage of the company's growth: ''As a growing and dynamic business, Nexim Healthcare represents among the best in Canada-Africa collaboration. The launch of the company's latest facility recently here in Hamilton, Ontario shows it is no surprise Nexim Healthcare was named Small Business of the Year up to 50 employees, at the most recent Canadian SME National Business Awards.''
