August 2024
Dear Members and Friends,
With 7 weeks to go to the 3rd Canada-Africa Business Conference in Zimbabwe, we are excited to welcome hundreds on 15 October 2024, kicking off our 2-day program.
Together with our Major Sponsor, Hatch, we will once again convene leading decision-makers to accelerate Canada-Africa trade and investment, through world-networking and information-sharing. In addition to our conference program on Day 1 at the Cresta Lodge Harare, members are invited to join us on Day 2 for the site visit program focused on mining and energy, showcasing the operations of Zimplats in the Mashonaland West Province.
Though led and supported by our generous private sponsors, we are also privileged to welcome public sector leaders as esteemed guests - in the context of understanding the broader regulatory environment for business, a key component of our information-sharing mandate in all markets. Under the leadership of Canada's Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency, Adler Aristilde, we are privileged to collaborate with the Embassy in Harare for the upcoming 3rd Canada-Africa Business Conference.
From left-to-right: Meetings with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Trade, joined by His Excellency Adler Aristilde, Ambassador of Canada to the Republic of Zimbabwe (left) and Ambassador Aristilde with Chamber President Garreth Bloor (centre), following a meeting at the Canadian Embassy (right).
We thank our headline Chamber sponsor Elephant Trade-Services, as well as the vitally important role of Hatch as a Major Sponsor, in the 3rd Canada-Africa Business Conference.
''Hatch has a long history of working in Africa; we are committed to creating positive change by supporting local communities, fostering economic development, and protecting the environment. As a proud partner of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, and a sponsor of the Canada-Africa Business Conference, we look forward to showcasing our expertise and capabilities at the conference, and to exploring new opportunities for collaboration and innovation with all our stakeholders.''
- Joe Lombard, Vice Chairman, Hatch
In addition to mining, energy and ICT, the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency has identified tourism, manufacturing and agriculture as among the key opportunities. At the same time, Canadian institutions are also privileged to play a significant role as partners in higher education.
ZIDA stands ready to welcome Canadian investors with services "to conceptualise, start and grow their investments in the country by providing information, site visits, and administrative support throughout the investment lifecycle" as Zimbabwe's official one-stop shop.
From left-to-right: Engagements with Zimbabwe's private sector included the financial sector (left); the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency with Chief Investment Promotion Officer, Silibaziso Chizwina (centre); and the Zimbabwe Economics Society, whose Mid-Term Fiscal Review, to which we honoured to attend as guests of Ambassador Aristilde (right). Under the title, 'Towards Macro Economic Stability in Zimbabwe' the forum was addressed by Permanent Secretary George T Guvamatanga, of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion.
From left-to-right: Engagements led by Ambassador Aristilde, including a stakeholder dinner (left) with the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency, ZimTrade and the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) and a meeting with the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion (right).
Working with the Embassy of Canada, we welcome any questions around the regulatory environment, which will be put directly to the Ministry of Finance and ZIDA by the Embassy of Canada, on the invitation of the Ministry during meetings last week.
“Zimbabwe was well-represented at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention this year, through the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA). The invitation to do business in Zimbabwe is wide open and I am excited, as a Canadian company, to respond to this call and participate in the 3rd Canada-Africa Business Conference as a sponsor of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business”
– Wayne Floreani, President and Co-Founder, MineAfrica Inc.
"There are so many who have warmly offered their support for the 3rd Canada-Africa Business Conference,'' says Garreth Bloor, President of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business.
"I wish to recognize Zimbabwe's Ambassador to Canada, H.E. Cecil Chinenere, ZIDA and the private sector companies and organizations in Zimbabwe who are keen to partner with Canadian businesses. Canada's leadership in Zimbabwe, under Ambassador Aristilde has been incredible. With the support of the Embassy's Trade Commissioner Trindard Makunike, who stands ready to assist Canadian companies considering Zimbabwe, "Team Canada" is ready to explore all the opportunities Zimbabwe offers during the 3rd Canada-Africa Business Conference".
"Of course, without our members and sponsors, including Hatch who've made this conference possible, the Chamber - as a fully private-sector funded association - would not be able to host programs like these. Thank you to our supporters. We are also delighted to once again partner with the Southern Africa-Canada Chamber of Commerce (SACANCHAM), as part of our longstanding MoU signed in Cape Town in 2019," added Bloor. "My discussion with SACANCHAM CEO Mike Morgan, in South Africa on Friday last week, underscored the excitement for the 3rd Canada-Africa Business Conference from Canadian businesses already operating on the continent."
Global Affairs Canada seeks your input as it refreshes Canada's approach to partnerships with African countries and institutions
Amidst a busy week on Canada-Africa affairs last week. Honourable Mélanie Joly, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs also concluded “a successful trip" to Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa which included engagements with our Johannesburg-headquartered partner, the Southern Africa - Canada Chamber of Commerce. The Africa Strategy is currently underway, and all are invited to contribute, if you have not done so already:
Global Affairs Canada seeks your input as it refreshes Canada's approach to partnerships with African countries and institutions. A recently launched public consultation invites and welcomes your input and that of your networks. We need and encourage the participation of as many members as possible of the African diaspora communities in Canada with as broad as possible a range of views, expertise and experience.
Africa's dynamism is growing daily, and Canada knows that much opportunity exists for furthering mutually beneficial partnerships of equals with Africa's countries and institutions. These partnerships can build shared prosperity, enable crisis response, support young people and advance peace, security and human rights. To realize the promise of this opportunity, Canada seeks to build stronger, expanded, and more visible partnerships with Africa.
Your input will help Canada and African countries and institutions define how to best work together moving forward in a spirit of open dialogue, collaboration and mutual benefit. The consultation platform will remain open until September 15, 2024. Participate, share your views and encourage others to do the same.
For more information or if you have any comments or concerns, please feel free to contact the Pan African Affairs team at Africa.Consultation.Afrique@international.gc.ca .
Africa Accelerating 2024: Ottawa and Toronto - November 18-20, 2024
With a little over three months to go to Africa Accelerating 2024, our annual three-day business conference is filling up quickly. Please join us in Ottawa and Toronto, if you are not already registered.
Read More, including the current Program and Sponsorship Opportunities.
On the road to Africa Accelerating 2024, we continue to increase our footprint, accelerating Canada-Africa trade and investment, through world-class networking and information-sharing events in Canada and on the African continent.
In remarks shared in Lusaka earlier this month, Chamber President Garreth Bloor highlighted the growing interest in Zambia, during a reception celebrating the country's membership of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business. PS Rob Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, underscored the "opportunities for companies to work together towards a sustainable and diversified future".
An Invitation to join our Growing Presence across Africa
"As our programing grows in markets throughout the continent, the Canada-Africa Business Conference series is proving to be among our most popular events" says Chamber President, Garreth Bloor. Members are invited to partner in the delivery of new programs in 2025. Learn more.
UPCOMING NETWORKING EVENTS
6th Ethiopia-Canada Business Forum: September 24, 2024 - Toronto
Led by MineAfrica Inc, working with several partners including The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business and WAFA Marketing, the Canada-Ethiopia Business Forum features senior government leaders and leading businesses from Ethiopia interested in meeting Canadian companies to import their products into Canada, supply them with products and services for export to Ethiopia, or explore joint venture investment opportunities in Ethiopia. Read More
3rd Canada-Nigeria Business & Investment Summit: October 9-10, 2024 - Toronto
We are pleased to partner with MineAfrica Inc, a Major Chamber Sponsor, and Leadership & Governance Canada, in preparation for the third Canada-Nigeria Business & Investment Summit in Toronto. The Nigeria delegation consists of business leaders and senior elected government representatives including Nigeria’s Federal Ministers of Agriculture, and Industry, Trade and Investment, along with Ministers from the States of Gombe and Niger.
Nigeria is among the largest economies in Africa and home to the biggest population (218 million in 2022) - comprising one of the largest populations of young people worldwide. As such Nigeria offers tremendous opportunities for Canadian companies, educational institutions, and more. Read More.
Liberia Investment Forum: September 17-20, 2024, Toronto
The National Investment Commission of Liberia, in conjunction with QE24 Group, are planning to hold the Liberia Investment Forum from September 17-20, 2024. The Liberian delegation will include business leaders, the Chair of the National Investment Commission and Ministers of several portfolios. Read More
OUR RECENT EVENTS IN NORTH AMERICA
Governor Fifi Masuka Saini's Visit to Ontario
From June 24-27, we were delighted to host the Governor of the Lualaba Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Her Excellency Fifi Masuka Saini. We welcomed hundreds of delegates over four days of programming, among them business leaders and representatives of all levels of government - including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Minister of International Development of Canada, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen. Read More
In June we hosted events in Washington, DC and Toronto, while participating in events in Sudbury, Ottawa and Montreal.
Canada-US Forum for African Partnerships: May 22-23, Washington, DC
Opened by US Congressman John Moolenaar and Minister Mary Ng, our inaugural US-Canada Forum for African Partnerships brought together leaders from both sides of the Atlantic.
Home to over half of accredited African Ambassadors and High Commissioners to Canada, Washington, DC is also home to major institutions, such as the World Bank, as well as numerous US-Canada joint initiatives with African countries.
The Lobito Corridor served thematically as a tangible template for the opportunities ahead, including the role of members of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business.
Day 1 comprised of a conference-style format, one block from the White House, while Day 2 included a Congressional tour of the US Capitol, as well as B2B meetings, for Chamber members Read More
Forum on the 2nd Canada-Africa Business Conference, May 27, Toronto
Following our February 2024 program in Nairobi, Kenya, we were delighted to host a roundtable in Toronto with PS Maninder Sidhu, Prime Minister Trudeau's Parliamentary Secretary to Canada's Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development.
The program began at 2:30pm, following the African Union flag raising ceremony at the Ontario Provincial Legislature. The forum explored how we continue to deepen ties between Canada and African markets, ensuring businesses are best positioned to succeed. Read More
The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business Recognized in the 2024 Zambezi-Kilimanjaro Excellence Award on Africa Day
Garreth Bloor, President of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, received the Award from the Group of African Ambassadors in Ottawa ‘in recognition of your exceptional contribution to promote relations between Canada and Africa’. Read More
Network Events
Montreal: The Chair of the Board of Directors addressed the 6th edition of the Canada Africa Forum on Trade Investment in Montreal on 24 May 2024: ''The economic ties between Canada and Africa are not only significant but also hold immense potential for growth and mutual benefit. As we navigate through the complexities of global trade and cooperation, it becomes increasingly clear that organizations like Chambers of Commerce serve as vital conduits for partnership and collaboration,'' relayed Caldwell St-Onge, during her address. More details on the program from the organizers are here
Ottawa: On Africa Day, Chamber President, Garreth Bloor attended the CASA Foundation’s Africa Day Forum at the Sir John MacDonald Building in Ottawa, opening and moderating the panel on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTFA). ‘This year’s theme, “Investing in People of African Descent-An Entrepreneurial Perspective”, aligns with your commitment to supporting underrepresented communities,’ said Dr. Olutoyin Oyelade, President of the CASA Foundation and founder of the forum. Read More
Recent Events: 30th Anniversary Celebration in Toronto on May 7th
With messages from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Doug Ford - among others - the Canada-Africa Chamber's contribution to Canada was celebrated this month.
Over 150 members and invited guests attended the 30 Year-Anniversary on Tuesday 7 May 2024, with a keynote address by Joe Lombard, Vice Chairman of Hatch, introduced by Past President, Bruce Shapiro. Gabriel Tshitende of Elephant Trade-Services DRC, and Founding Chair of the Chamber, Stephen Pincus, a Partner at Goodmans LLP, were among the speakers. The historic ballroom of the National Club of Toronto was adorned with portraits of past distinguished speakers - commemorating addresses by leaders over the past three decades, who have included Heads of State, captains of industry and world-leading think tanks.
Paula Caldwell St-Onge, Chair of the Board, opened the 30th Anniversary, underscoring this year's extensive programming - including but not limited to events in Toronto, Ottawa and Sudbury in Canada, as well as Nairobi, Kenya; Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of Congo; Harare, Zimbabwe and Cape Town, South Africa - in addition to the inaugural upcoming Canada-US Forum for African Partnerships in Washington, DC.
Mr. Gabriel Tshitende, founder and CEO of Elephant Trade-Services DRC, headline sponsor of the 30th Anniversary Program, delivered the official welcome - which included an invitation to attend Elephant Trade Services' February 2025 Investment Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This follows the success of this year's DRC Mission undertaken with the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, showcasing major investment opportunities.
Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, thanked Chamber leaders for their contribution in remarks from her Ministerial Office in Ottawa.
Awards Ceremony
In recognition of their incredible support, four leading corporate members were recipients of our Major Supporter Award. Board Chair, Paula Caldwell St-Onge, Board Director Pierre Boivin and Vice President Ateau Zola, were pleased to present the awards:
- Goodmans LLP - received by Stephen Pincus (Partner)
- MineAfrica Inc - received by Wayne Floreani (President) and Bruce Shapiro (co-founder)
- Hatch - received by Joe Lombard (Vice Chair)
- Elephant Trade Services DRC- received by Gabriel Tshitende (Founder and CEO)
“Thank you to all who have made the last 30 years a success, in addition to those who’ve pledged today to writing the story of our next 30 years,” said Chamber President Garreth Bloor.
“I am delighted to announce that the headline sponsor of our 30-year anniversary programming writes that story with us as we step into the future: Elephant Trade-Services DRC has committed to 2025 headline sponsorship of our organization."
Karen Kelly-Woolcock of KY Concierge, the Chamber's Senior Associate for In-Bound delegations, played a key role in the success of the program, together with her company's team.
More information on this month’s Anniversary Event can be found here, including links to upcoming events in North America and in African markets.
For information on joining the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, click here.
MineAfrica Program in Sudbury: May 8-11
For all who travelled to Canada, as well as those in the country already, our 30-Year Anniversary week included the MineAfrica tour to Sudbury. The Chamber was delighted to serve as a partner in the program of site visits, educational sessions and networking opportunities. Read More
Media Updates
News from The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business is carried across hundreds of publications and by numerous organizations, including by governments. Recent coverage includes:
Canada-US Collaboration in Africa Under Discussion on May 22nd in Washington, DC [Fox]
In-Conversation with Sabine Kamukitu, Lambano Full Services SARL: Accelerating Canada-Africa Trade and Investment [AllAfrica]
The Canada-Africa Chamber celebrates 30 years of Canada-Africa trade and investment [Adom Online]
Canadian Miners eye African expansion for transition minerals [African Business]
2nd Canada-Africa Business Conference highlighted in the Canadian Parliament
[Chamber News]
OTHER 2024 EVENTS
25th Annual African Mining Breakfast and MineAfrica's 22nd Annual Investing in African Mining Seminar
26,926 people attended PDAC 2024 and it seemed like most of them were at our African events!
It was a great week in Toronto and we were delighted with the opportunity to showcase African markets mining investment destination of choice.
The energy and excitement for Africa was on full display at our sell-out breakfast, as well as MineAfrica's seminar and Africa pavilion at the PDAC Trade Show. Read More
2nd Canada-Africa Business Conference: 19-20 February 2024, Nairobi
The second Canada-Africa Business Conference, hosted on the invitation of H.E. President William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, was described as a 'great success' in the Canadian Parliament during Friday's sitting.
Working in partnership with the High Commission of Canada in Kenya, we were honoured to have been joined by PS Maninder Sidhu, Prime Minister Trudeau's Parliamentary Secretary to Canada's Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development.
Chamber President, Garreth Bloor, opened the conference by thanking Chamber Headline Sponsor, Elephant Trade-Services DRC and its CEO Gabriel Tshitende - echoed by Canada's Honourable Maninder Sidhu. Gold Sponsors included Cypher Environmental, Bramex Ltd and Hatch. Read More
DRC-Canada Leadership Visit to Lualaba: 8-10 February 2024, Kolwezi
The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business was privileged to welcome leading dignitaries, members and guests to our first-ever program in the Lualaba Province, to which we were warmly received by Governor Fifi Masuka Saini.
Chamber members, as world-class service providers and partners - including MineAfrica Inc and Collège Boréal - can serve as key to the development of Lualaba and the DRC as a whole. This reality was underscored during the program, which included the Canada-Lualaba Business Forum on Day 2, at the prestigious Katebi Beach Lodge overlooking Lake Nzilo.
The Chamber was honoured to recognize the attendance of Canada's recently-appointed Ambassador to the DRC, H.E. Maryse Guilbeault, during what was Her Excellency's first visit to the Lualaba Province as Ambassador. Read More
Annual Investing in African Mining Indaba, February 3-7, 2024: Cape Town
The Chamber was pleased to assist members attending the Annual Investing in African Mining Indaba. From February 3rd to 7th, we were on-hand to liaise for meetings and access to VIP events. Chamber President, Garreth Bloor, addressed attendees at the Canadian High Commissioner's VIP Reception on Sunday evening.
Paula Caldwell St-Onge, Chair of the Board; Gabriel Tshitende, CEO, Elephant Trade-Services DRC (headline sponsor); Ateau Zola, Vice President and Special Envoy to the DRC; Garreth Bloor, President of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business and Wayne Floreani, President of MineAfrica Inc
Presidents' Report - 2023 in Review
Following a successful year, the President's Report is available online - showcasing the people, companies and ideas that accelerated Canada-Africa trade and investment, through world-class networking and information-sharing events. Read it here
Best wishes from all of us!
Garreth Bloor (President), Ateau Zola (Vice President, Natural Resources), Susan Namulindwa (Vice President, Canada), Jacques NdoutouMvé (Vice President, Africa)
Sebastian Spio-Garbrah (Past Chair & AfCFTA Free Trade Unit, Accra), Mahvish Batool (Finance), Toye Abioye (Business Development and Partnerships) and Karen Woolcock (Senior Associate: In-Bound Delegations/KY Concierge)
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