February 2025
Dear Members and Friends,
The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business 26th Annual African Mining Breakfast & MineAfrica's 23rd Annual Investing in African Mining Seminar is just days away:
Tuesday March 4, 2025
Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
Civic Ballroom
123 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M5H 2M9
• View the full program including our Country and Regional Spotlights on DRC, Francophone Africa (Cameroon, Chad, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania), Ghana, Southern Africa (Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe) presented by Koryx Copper, Zambia and Opportunity Africa (Sudan, Tanzania)
• Meet the Speakers
• Register to attend the breakfast and seminar - $130 (free to members: email members@canadaafrica.ca)
• Register to attend the seminar only - complimentary, thanks to MineAfrica Inc (registration is required)
Proud to Partner on the Canada Program at the Africa CEO Forum, Abidjan, May 11-14
The Africa CEO Forum is the continent’s largest annual event dedicated to the private sector, bringing together over 2,000 business leaders, investors, policymakers, and influential figures from around the world in Côte d’Ivoire.
Thanks to our Major Sponsors, in addition to the Africa CEO Forum program from 12-13 May, The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business is delighted to partner in the delivery of the Official Canadian Reception and concurrent program - to which all members are warmly invited.
The Canada Program includes a welcome reception for the Canadian delegation on May 11th, bringing together the business community and other guests at the Official Residence of the Canadian Ambassador in Côte d'Ivoire. The program runs through to May 14th and will also include a networking breakfast, B2Bs, a business panel and informal networking opportunities.
All members can register by emailing ceoforum@canadaafrica.ca
Supporting the call of the Canadian Embassy to Côte d’Ivoire, we encourage Canadian businesses to participate in the Africa CEO Forum to access rapidly growing markets and explore strategic partnerships in key sectors such as agribusiness, clean technologies, ICT, and infrastructure. In addition to the Chamber’s support for its members in Abidjan, Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service stands ready to assist all Canadian companies attending.
Learn more about participation here and contact us directly for further details, including the program of complementary engagements for our member companies attending, in addition to a special code for discounted registration to attend the Africa CEO Forum: ceoforum@canadaafrica.ca
As with all Chamber events (including recent events pictured above) we are delighted to assist members on the ground in Abidjan attending the Africa CEO Forum. Thank you, as always, to our sponsors, who’ve enabled the Chamber’s participation and member support for the Canada program during this leading gathering that is "dedicated to highlighting the driving role of the private sector in the development of the continent".
Recap: 2025 Investing in African Mining Indaba Programming: Cape Town, February 2-6, 2025
Chamber President, Garreth Bloor once again addressed attendees at the Canadian High Commissioner's VIP Reception, underscoring Canada-Africa collaboration through private sector growth, at an event which kicked off Team Canada's participation at the 2025 Mining Indaba.
We were pleased to support members with participation at a number of high-level networking and information-sharing events, in addition to bilaterals and Chamber leadership meetings that mapped out upcoming programs on the African continent. Read More
Above: Past Mining Indaba Canada Receptions with members, including Elephant Trade-Services DRC (Gabriel Tshitende), B2Gold (Neil Reeder), MineAfrica Inc (Wayne Floreani) and B2BeeMatch (KC Goundiam).
Upcoming Programming across Canada and in African markets
View our upcoming and recent events here, which include Namibia, Zambia, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, South Africa and more!
Next week, on the occasion of the largest African mining event in North America, we will be announcing exciting details on our Pan-Sectoral conferences in both Windhoek and Lusaka, among our upcoming programs.
Maximize your corporate member benefits!
If you would like to request a meeting to discuss maximizing your participation and member benefits, please don’t hesitate to contact us: members@canadaafrica.ca. Thank you to all who’ve engaged thus far, at recent meetings online and in-person, across Canada and on the African continent.
Our latest President’s Report, covers our 2024 event programming, recognizing the outcomes, successes and dozens of key people and companies who made it possible. Download the Report.
Thank you to our generous high-level sponsoring supporters: Chamber Headline Sponsor, Elephant Trade-Services DRC, alongside Major Sponsors including 6ix, APO Group, B2Gold, Bramex, Boreal College, Bishworld, Cypher Environmental, EKMM, Hatch, EY, Lambano Full Services, Goodmans LLP, MineAfrica Inc., Nexim Healthcare Consultants Inc and SDF Financial.
2024 in Review: Africa Accelerating: Recordings On-Demand, Available for the Most Recent Program in Ottawa & Toronto
Hundreds convened in November in Ottawa and Toronto for our annual 3-day program, Africa Accelerating 2024, on the occasion of our 30th Anniversary.
The recordings are now available here.
Prime Ministerial leadership, CEOs, Ministers and think tanks were among the voices who joined Chamber members at our annual flagship networking and information-sharing conference. We once again welcomed key players operating in dozens of African country markets, advancing our mission of accelerating Canada-Africa trade and investment. Read More
We look forward to announcing the dates for Africa Accelerating 2025 soon - the key program among our upcoming events across the African continent in 2025.
We afford special thanks to the generous support of our Headline Sponsor, Elephant Trade-Services DRC, alongside Major Sponsors of Africa Accelerating 2024, including 6ix, B2Gold, Bishworld, Bramex, Cypher Environmental, Hatch, EY, Lambano Full Services, Goodmans LLP and MineAfrica Inc, as well as our media partner, APO Group.
In Review: 2nd African Union Bilateral & Reception with AU Commissioner H.E. Albert Muchanga and Hon. Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development
As we counted down to Africa Accelerating 2024, the Chamber was pleased to host our 2nd Bilateral with the African Union Commission, followed by a Reception at the National Club - on the eve of high-level engagements between the African Union and Government of Canada, to which the Chamber and diaspora stakeholders were invited. Read More
Above: AU Commissioner Albert Muchanga addresses our Chamber African Union Reception, joined by Minister Mary Ng and PS Rob Oliphant (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs). Todd Burns, Founder and CEO of Cypher Environmental, sponsored the reception and was applauded for his work, alongside our Chamber headline sponsor, Gabriel Tshitende, Founder and CEO of Elephant Trade-Services DRC.
In addition to our Chamber programming this month with the African Union Commission, a series of engagements took place to which the Chamber and diaspora participated, attended by Prime Minister Trudeau and numerous Canadian Ministers. New announcements were made by the Government of Canada. Read More
In Review: 3rd Canada-Africa Business Conference in Harare and Selous, Zimbabwe
We welcomed leading decision makers to accelerate Canada-Africa trade and investment, including dozens of Canadian companies, at the 3rd Canada-Africa Business Conference which took place from October 15-16.
Read more on CNBC Africa and our Official Conference Site for a full recap.
PAST EVENTS (Continued)
3rd Canada-Nigeria Business Summit
We were pleased to partner with MineAfrica Inc, a Major Chamber Sponsor, and Leadership & Governance Canada, for the third Canada-Nigeria Business & Investment Summit in Toronto which took place from 9-10 October. The Nigeria delegation included business leaders from a variety of industry sectors and senior elected government representatives.
Left to right: The Chamber in conversation on financing with Folake Ani-Mumuney, Group Head, Marketing and Communications, First Bank of Nigeria Ltd; Senator Victor Umeh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora in Nigeria and Andrew Apampa, Manager at Convergence Blended Finance
The third Canada-Nigeria Business & Investment Summit in Toronto, this week (left) and the Africa Accelerating conference (right) taking place from 18-20 November this year.
Not yet a Chamber member? Apply here
In Review: Members' Luncheon in Ottawa & Senate Meeting
Several members in Ottawa joined our October briefing on the Chamber's latest work during a lunch at the Royal Ottawa. On October 2nd, Board Chair Paula Caldwell St-Onge and Chamber President, Garreth Bloor, appeared as expert witnesses before the Senate's Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade, during a meeting on Canada's engagements in Africa.
Left: Country Members in Ottawa during a Briefing Luncheon on Upcoming Events. Right: Senator Amina Gerba (centre-left) joined by fellow expert witness Jean-Louis Roy (President, Partenariat International) at the Senate
DRC-Chamber Ministerial Business Forum, Toronto
On 18 September 2024, The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business was delighted to host the Hon. Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic Congo.
The Luncheon at The National Club in Toronto welcomed Chamber members and guests across a range of sectors with an interest in the DRC for an opportunity the understand the broader context for trade and investment.
During a follow-up Canada-Africa Chamber meeting on 20 September, the Chamber underscored the significant interest in the DRC, including the recent trade mission last year, as well as the firm interest in a 2025 Canada-Africa conference, envisaged in Kinshasa this year. Read More
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 this past August, 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 MEMBER & NETWORKING EVENTS
Our members and partners are hosting or supporting a number of events in the coming months. While these are not Chamber events, we are pleased to share details of these upcoming programs:
Canada Africa Fintech Summit 2025: Toronto
Scheduled to take place from May 21-24, 2025 in Toronto, this summit aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development within the fintech industry - with a specific focus on the role of fintech talent as a catalyst for green transformation. Read More on our website or visit the Official Event website of the organizers.
Q1 and Q2 CHAMBER EVENTS
Governor Fifi Masuka Saini's Visit to Ontario
While last month we hosted the DRC's Minister of Foreign Affairs, we were delighted to host the Governor of the Lualaba Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Her Excellency Fifi Masuka Saini, from June 24-27. 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 numerous organizations, including by governments. Recent coverage includes:
Samson Arega congratulated in North America, following his announcement as Group Vice President of Customer Experience at Ethiopian Airlines [CNBC]
Unlock Limitless Potential across Multiple Sectors: the Canada-Nigeria Trade Expo 2024 [African Business]
Canada Means Business; the 3rd Canada-Africa Business Conference set to welcome hundreds from October 15-16 in Harare, Zimbabwe [ZAWYA]
The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business congratulates Nexim Healthcare Consultants on their ongoing expansion [Zimbabwe Newspapers Network]
3rd Canada-Africa Business Conference to take place from October 15-16 in Harare, Zimbabwe [Voxafrica]
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), Toye Abioye (Business Development and Partnerships) and Karen Woolcock (Senior Associate: In-Bound Delegations/KY Concierge); Haba-Maria Konaré (Office of the President)
About Us
President, Operations, Membeship, Vice Presidents and Associates (queries@canadaafrica.ca)
Board of Directors (board@canadaafrica.ca)
Council of Senior Advisors (council@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