July 2026
Dear Members and Friends,
We are working hard towards welcoming several delegations to Africa Accelerating 2026, from October 6-7 in Toronto and Ottawa, following the 6th Canada-Africa Business Conference in Lagos.
On the occasion of Minister Anita Anand’s visit to Benin and Cote d’Voire in the coming days, the Chamber is pleased to be working with new partners on the ground in accelerating trade and investment through Chamber member benefits and programming, following last year’s event in Abidjan.
Upcoming Africa Accelerating program, Toronto: October 6-7, 2026
We look forward to once again convening senior business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and institutions to accelerate trade and investment; including members and guests from Nigeria, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia and South Africa, among other markets across the continent.
Africa Accelerating welcomes the participation of government leaders and its representatives as valued VIP guests and contributors to the dialogue. Thanks to private sector leaders, the initiative is proudly independent and neither seeks or nor accepts any taxpayer grant funding. Our work is sustained through private-sector leadership, membership and the support of our partners, under the oversight our Board of Directors. Read More
Last Month's 6th Canada-Africa Business Conference, Lagos: June 24-25
The Canada–Africa Chamber of Business is delighted have held the 6th Canada–Africa Business Conference, in Lagos, Nigeria, with Zenith Bank Plc as Headline Sponsor - alongside the support of Canadian private sector companies, such as GardaWorld Security, that are expanding across African markets.
“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 6th Canada-Africa Business Conference
Read More including a high-level video summaries, the official program guide, full recorded proceedings, photos and our conference report for members.
In preparation for the 6th Canada-Africa Business Conference, we welcomed members and sponsors to a VIP Reception in Lagos on Friday, May 22 with Secretary of State Randeep Sarai - where Hon. Sarai highlighted the Chamber's program, alongside engaging federal and state leaders, development partners and private sector actors to advance shared priorities at the intersection of development and economic growth.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Africa Accelerating 2026 - Canada Program, October 6-7: Toronto, Canada
Canada-Africa Forum Reception, December 1, 2026, Vancouver, Canada
7th Canada-Africa Business Conference, February 2-4, 2027, Windhoek, Namibia
Supporting Members at the Annual Investing in African Mining Indaba, February 7-11, 2027: Cape Town, South Africa
28th Annual African Mining Breakfast and 24th Annual Investing in African Mining Seminar March 9th, 2027 Toronto, Canada
8th Canada-Africa Business Conference, April 2027, Accra, Ghana
In addition to these programs we continue to liaise with members on the latest current program agendas and the planning is underway for future events in Canada and across the continent which we look forward to announcing.
RECENT MEMBER EVENT: Spotlight on the Egyptian Ambassadorial Reception
Chamber Board Chair Paula Caldwell St-Onge participated in an event of the Egyptian Embassy's Reception Farewell to Ambassador H.E. Ahmed Hafez on July 23rd as part of longstanding Chamber engagements - including welcoming new Ambassadors and High Commissioners to Canada.
The Chamber is proud of our country members and welcomes others who wish to join us in receiving member benefits for accredited Heads of Mission to Canada - made possible by our supporters in the spirit of accelerating trade and investment.
Q2 PAST CHAMBER EVENTS
Canada-Africa VIP Reception, May 18
The Chamber hosted members and guests at a VIP reception who attended the Enlit Africa convention in May. Read More
Canada-Africa Financing Forum, May 14
In May we hosted the Canada-Africa Financing Forum in Cape Town, welcoming participation at the highest levels, including a message from Prime Minister Mark Carney, FinDev Canada and leaders in finance and investing across a wide range of asset classes - from venture capital leaders to key institutional investors.
Hon. Cindy Termorshuizen, Deputy Minister for International Development (above, left) underscored the importance of practical financing tools — including blended finance, risk mitigation, and coordinated Canadian instruments — to accelerate commercially viable African-led projects reaching financial close, during a keynote address that set the tone for a dynamic program of discussions, case studies and networking exchanges. Click here to read more
Members' Program with the African Development Bank, April 22 | Toronto
Thank you to all who joined us for this high-level forum with the President and senior leadership of the African Development Bank. The discussions were split across roundtables and focused on opportunities for financing projects across Africa, while strengthening partnerships between Canadian companies and one of the continent’s leading development finance institutions.
[Left] H.E. Wamkele Mene with Chamber Board Chair Paula Caldwell St-Onge and Senior Advisor, Deepak Dave. [Right] The Canada-Africa Chamber AfDB Luncheon during our Program with the African Development Bank.
Participation was by invitation to Chamber members and selected industry leaders. Read More
[Left] Derek Neldner, CEO and Group Head of RBC Capital Markets and leaders at the bank, joined by AfDB President Dr Sidi Ould Tah and his team. [Right] Roundtable 2 during the program focused on infrastructure projects.
Canada’s Africa Strategy in Action: A Conversation with ADM Cheryl Urban - March 27 | Toronto
Members and guests of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business joined an in-person roundtable discussion with Cheryl Urban, Assistant Deputy Minister for Africa at Global Affairs Canada.
This interactive session explored Canada’s evolving economic engagement with African markets and the implementation of the Government of Canada’s Africa Strategy. Participants shared perspectives from the private sector on emerging opportunities, challenges, and priorities for strengthening Canada–Africa commercial partnerships. Read More.
Unlocking Trade & Project Finance in Africa: Canadian Private Sector and Institutional Perspectives - March 25
The Canada Africa Chamber of Business, in partnership with Global Affairs Canada, hosted a virtual executive dialogue on unlocking trade and project finance opportunities in Africa.
This invitation-only session convened leaders from the Canadian private sector, institutional finance, and public policy for a structured discussion on financing constraints, market opportunities, and pathways to strengthen Canada’s commercial engagement across African markets. The program featured moderated discussions and breakout sessions designed to generate practical insights that will inform ongoing research and policy analysis.
Q1 Events Recap
Once again, during PDAC 2026, we were delighted to welcome approximately 650 delegates to our program with MineAfrica - the largest African mining event in North America, presented by Hatch.
In the Chair's address to the 27th Annual African Mining Breakfast, Paula Caldwell St-Onge, noted that “the direction is clear, partnerships are deepening, and the opportunity before us has never been greater,” in reference to the strong momentum behind our upcoming programs and events - across a wide range of sectors, further details of which appear below.
During the plenary breakfast, Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development, the Hon. Randeep Sarai, addressed delegates and underscored Canada’s priorities across the continent, while the Hon. Louis Watum Kabamba, Minister of Mines of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, delivered the program’s Ministerial Address.
This year’s keynote address was presented by Joe Lombard, Vice Chair of Hatch Ltd., highlighting the firm’s decades of experience partnering in the delivery of major mining and infrastructure projects across Africa.
Above: Hon. Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development) and H.E. Louis Watum Kabamba. Minister of Mines, Democratic Republic of Congo. Below: Joe Lombard, Vice Chair, Hatch and Paula Caldwell St-Onge, Chair of the Board of Directors, The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business
In addition to hundreds of companies, Ministers in attendance also included Julius Mattai, Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Sierra Leone; Thiam Tidjani, Minister of Mines and Industry, Mauritania; Ibrahim Uwizeye, Minister of Hydraulics, Energy and Mines, Burundi; Phumzile Mgcina, Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, South Africa, and Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Ghana
Joining Randeep Sarai, leaders from Canada included PS Rob Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who delivered the closing remarks and was commended for his leadership in advancing Canada–Africa trade and investment. Ahmed Hussen, Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, was also in attendance, reflecting his longstanding participation in Chamber events.
Cheryl Urban, Assistant Deputy Minister for Africa at Global Affairs Canada was a key participant, with Ambassadors and High Commissioners representing Canada - alongside senior government officials from delegations participating from Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Guinea, Nigeria, Sudan, Tanzania and the Lualaba Province, DRC.
Read the full report on the African Mining Breakfast & Seminar, with links to the program, presentations, and photo galleries, as well as coverage of African participation at the PDAC Convention Trade Show. Click here to view the report
“Mining is an integral part of Canada’s economy, reinforcing supply chains and economic growth. At PDAC I saw firsthand how Canadian leadership alongside technical expertise helps grow inclusive and responsible mining globally. By integrating our international development partnerships with mining expertise, Canada is well positioned to generate economic and social benefits for people at home and around the world.”
- Hon. Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State, Canada (International Development)
[Left] Anglo American CEO, Duncan Wanblad - a Chamber corporate member - with Board Chair Paula Caldwell St-Onge and the organization's President Garreth Bloor. [Right] The Spotlight on DRC Session during the MineAfrica Seminar.
The 5th Canada-Africa Business Conference in Namibia from February 5-6, welcomed CEOs, investors, entrepreneurs and public sector representatives.
With the support of our headline conference sponsor, B2Gold, the program convened over 50 representatives from Canadian companies and organizations, alongside counterparts from Namibia and across the continent comprising 150 delegates.
Prime Minister Mark Carney' message to the conference recognized "[T]he 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," in the read-out to delegates. "Your leadership expands opportunity for Canadians—connecting enterprise, investment, and ideas in ways that deliver real results for communities across our nation.”
“Without companies like B2Gold, none of what we do would be possible,” said Paula Caldwell St-Onge, Chair of the Board. “I applaud the leadership of John Roos, Country Manager for B2Gold, and recognize the outstanding leadership of CEO Clive Johnson, as well as the active involvement of Vice President Neil Reeder in this conference and in the Chamber’s work." Read More
Supporting Members at the Investing in African Mining Indaba: February 8-12, 2026
Once again, during the Annual Investing in African Mining Indaba the Chamber was pleased to be available to assist members. The Chamber President once addressed the High Commissioner's Official Reception, recognizing Chamber supporters and members in attendance.
Annual General Meeting - Welcoming new Directors to our Board
We were delighted to welcome two new directors this year, following our AGM held in January.
The Hon. Arif Virani, P.C., K.C., Senior Counsel, Torys LLP and the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
Dr. Pretee Gopee, Director of Transnational Education and Business Development, Centennial College
Hon. Arif Virani (left) and Dr. Preetee Gopee (centre). Fellow board members Randy McAuley Paula Caldwell St-Onge and Peter Braid, joined by the current and past Presidents at a December meeting (right)
"The Chamber is honoured to welcome a growing and committed board, " said Board Chair Paula Caldwell St-Onge. "Private sector excellence, with insight and understanding on public policy and government issues, are brought together with our directors who serve to advance Canada-Africa trade and investment. Read More
During a forum the same day with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Anita Anand, to which the Chamber was invited, we continued to underscore our commitment to market-led missions to the African continent - as part of our mandate to accelerate trade and investment through world-class networking and information-sharing events. We are honoured to welcome decision-makers in government and public policy as esteemed guests to our programs.
The Chamber is also pleased to respond to requests to provide details on our programming, including to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs in Parliament in Q1, as well as in the media. Our public event recordings are available here.
Chamber Meeting with H.E. Professor Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh of the Republic of Ghana in Ottawa (left) and a previous meeting of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (right).
All our programs are made possible thanks to our sponsors, affording us the chance to welcome several hundred guest delegates to our events across Canada and numerous African markets, in addition to interactive live broadcasts of our major conferences.
View the full list of 2025 Chamber programming events here
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 annual President’s Report, covers our event programming, recognizing the outcomes, successes and dozens of key people and companies who made it possible. Download the most recent 2025 Report.
Thank you once again to our generous high-level sponsoring supporters featured in the most recent edition: Chamber Headline Sponsor, Elephant Trade-Services DRC, alongside Major Sponsors including 6ix, APO Group, B2Gold, Bishworld, Cypher Environmental, Hatch, EY, Lambano Full Services, Goodmans LLP, MineAfrica Inc., Nexim Healthcare Consultants Inc and SDF Financial.
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.
It is for good reason that decision-makers from Presidents and Prime Ministers, through to captains of industry and the next generation of business leaders, continue to choose the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business - to engage, announce new initiatives, and deepen private sector collaboration for economic growth.
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)
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