May 2023
Dear Members and Friends,
Happy Africa Day! In recognition of the establishment of the Organization of African Unity in 1963, the forerunner to the African Union we know today, we are pleased to report back on the recent engagement with African Union Commission (AUC) during their high-level visit to Canada last week. On the invitation of Global Affairs Canada, we were honoured to host the African Union Commission in Ottawa on 16 May.
Chamber engagement with the AUC delegation included discussions on collaboration, led by Chair of the Board, Paula Caldwell St-Onge. Read More
Following our engagements with the delegation, led by the AUC Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Industry and Mining, H.E. Albert M. Muchanga (below, left), we are delighted to encourage members to participate in this year's Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in Cairo, Egypt.
The IATF takes place from 21 to 27 November, the month following Africa Accelerating 2023 in Toronto. Sharing insights, discovering opportunities and networking at the highest levels will once again take place over three days of Africa Accelerating from 10 to 12 October. Read more and view the program agenda.
Beyond Chamber-specific discussions on accelerating trade and investment, the AUC visit to Ottawa comprised a busy program; including H.E. Albert M. Muchanga signing the Global Affairs Canada-African Union Commission Cooperation Framework establishing the Trade Policy Dialogue, led by Minister Mary Ng (above, right).
Africa Day Address to the Senate of Canada
Senator Amina Gerba underscored the importance of Canada-Africa ties on May 18th in an address to the Senate, highlighting the significance of Africa Day and acknowledging the presence of Board Chair Paula Caldwell St-Onge, among others.
In addition to our invitation to the Senate, we were pleased to join the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association which took place later that evening.
(Above) Chair of the Board, Paula Caldwell St-Onge with Senator Amina Gerba and VIP guests at the Senate of Canada. (Below) Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association
Consultations for the Canada-Africa Economic Cooperation Strategy are now live.
In the coming weeks and months the Chamber will be hosting sessions, open to all, for dialogue around the latest announcements on the Canada-Africa Economic Cooperation Strategy.
The Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development was mandated by the Prime Minister to develop a strategy for economic cooperation across Africa. The Strategy will include support for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), facilitating investments in infrastructure, and expanded partnerships in research and innovation. The proposed Canada-Africa Economic Cooperation Strategy (CA-ECS) will seek to facilitate increased and diversified trade and investment with African partners in line with Canada’s export diversification strategy, advance an inclusive and sustainable approach to trade, strengthen the rules-based international trading system, and contribute meaningfully to Canada and Africa’s overall economic, social and environmental priorities.
Read More:
- Consultations on a proposed Canada-Africa Economic Cooperation Strategy
- Join the discussion: consulting Canadians on a proposed economic cooperation strategy with Africa (international.gc.ca)
- A proposed Canada-Africa Economic Cooperation Strategy: background for consultations (international.gc.ca)
- Consulting Canadians on a proposed Canada-Africa economic cooperation strategy: privacy notice (international.gc.ca)
Email economicstrategy@canadaafrica.ca to receive specific alerts, or remain tuned to updates in our newsletter and on canadaafrica.ca
Recap of Recent Events
Chamber of Mines’ Women's Day Meeting, Kinshasa, DRC
Ateau Zola addressed the second annual gathering hosted by the Chamber of Mines of the Federation of Enterprises of Congo (FEC). On Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at the Fleuve Congo Hotel in Kinshasa, industry players gathered to focus on accelerating the role of women in the mining sector. Read More
See our extensive list of past events here
Africa Accelerating 2023 - 10 to 12 October 2023 [Français]
All roads lead to Toronto for Africa Accelerating this year, following last year's 3-day program on African soil in Johannesburg. We anticipate heads of governments, companies and leading decision-makers once again to gather.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was among those who addressed the event last October, joined by government heads, African Union leaders, corporate executives and entrepreneurs.
We are delighted to recognize our most recent Diamond Sponsors, including Elephant Trade, who deliver professional technical support for major projects in engineering, construction and maintenance. Read More
Join The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business!
Chamber membership is a valuable way to join our efforts to accelerate Canada-Africa trade and investment through world-class networking and information-sharing events.
You will find our membership form here to sign up today. Membership provides numerous opportunities and benefits for our members as we are positioned to assist companies seeking to strategically market their goods and services.
Our corporate members receive on average of USD 2 million in PR value each year, in addition to our events and the reach of 12 500 on our database. Our member benefits are in place at a generously subsidized rate of between $2500 and $5000 to ensure Canada-Africa trade and investment is accelerated, driven by private sector leaders and companies. Two popular member benefits include an annual media release through the APO Group – with an average hit rate across 300 publications - and access to the 6ix investor platform, otherwise accessible to clients at $120 000 per year.
We are proud to ensure your market-driven solutions as a company are well-known and profiled in African markets and across Canada.
The Chamber's network spans Canada and Africa. We are an independent, non-profit organization, enjoying strong working links with both Canadian and African businesses and governments.
We do not receive government grant funding and thank our generous supporters for ensuring we can deliver our mission - as a proudly independent, Not-for-Profit organization, dedicated to accelerating trade and investment through world-class networking and information-sharing events.
We applaud our sponsors who make it all happen: Ivanhoe Mines, 6ix, APO Group, ARSP, Ausenco, B2Gold, Elephant Trade, Ethiopian Airlines, Lucara Diamond, Goodmans, Hatch, MEC Capital, MineAfrica and SDF Consulting. Our sponsors are essential to the Chamber's success.
We are proud to recognize APO Group, the Official Strategic Public Relations Partner of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business.
Visit the Q&A to learn more about the Chamber and membership, or email members@canadaafrica.ca
Check out our Recent Member Events - View the full list here
Best wishes from all of us!
Garreth Bloor (President), Samantha Mandigora (Head of Operations), Toye Abioye (Business Development and Partnerships)
Susan Namulindwa (Vice President, Canada), Jacques NdoutouMvé (Vice President, Africa)
Ateau Zola and Kweku Essien (Business Development)
About Us
President, Operations, Membership, Vice Presidents and Associates (queries@canadaafrica.ca)
Board of Directors (board@canadaafrica.ca)
Council of Senior Advisors (council@canadaafrica.ca)
Chamber Fellows & McGill Mastercard Interns (partnerships@canadaafrica.ca / fellowships@canadaafrica.ca)
Think Tank Perspectives and Free Trade Unit (thinktank@canadaafrica.ca / freetrade@canadaafrica.ca)
For more information, please contact:
The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business Head Office
55 Bloor Street West, RTO Manulife Building, PO Box 19553
Toronto, Ontario M4W 3T9 Tel: 647-667-1223 Email: members@canadaafrica.ca