September 2026
Dear Members and Friends,
As we get closer to Africa Accelerating next month, we look forward to convening senior business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers and institutions to accelerate trade and investment — welcoming members and guests from across the continent, alongside government leaders and their representatives as valued VIP guests and contributors to the dialogue.
Africa Accelerating 2026 takes place October 6–7 in Toronto, following the momentum of Canada-Africa Business Conferences in Lagos and Windhoek. Read More and Join Us!
This momentum was reinforced by the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding between the Chamber and the Chambre de Commerce Canada Côte d’Ivoire (CCCACI), on the occasion of Minister Anita Anand’s high-level visit to Côte d’Ivoire — opening a new chapter in Canada–Côte d’Ivoire trade and investment ties. Read More
VIP Dinner Celebrating Trade & Investment, September 16 | Nairobi
The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, together with 369 Global, is hosting a private VIP Dinner in Nairobi on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, bringing together Canadian and Kenyan business leaders, investors and entrepreneurs, from among our members and guests in the Kenyan capital.
The event program “An Evening in Celebration of Canada–Africa Trade and Investment,” will celebrate and strengthen the growing commercial relationship between Canada and Kenya, commencing with a cocktail reception, while also marking the launch of the Africa edition of 3 Magazine.
We are delighted that Canada's High Commissioner to Kenya, H.E. Joshua Tabah, will join us throughout the evening and offer keynote remarks. Read More
Preparatory Meetings: The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business 28th Annual African Mining Breakfast & MineAfrica’s 25th Annual Investing in African Mining Seminar presented by Hatch, September 15 & 17 | Virtual
Join us for a one hour Zoom briefing on how you can promote your country, company, African mining project, product or services at the biggest African mining event in North America presented by Hatch, taking place this March 7-10, 2027, during PDAC in Toronto.
Register for Tuesday September 15 at 9:00 AM EDT (in English) OR Thursday September 17 at 9:00 AM EDT (en francais), for a virtual briefing and Q&A session on our African program offerings for governments, mining companies, equipment suppliers, services providers, NGO's and associations, during PDAC and how you can participate.
Participation options at the biggest mining investment show in the world include:
1. Presentation and sponsorship opportunities in the biggest African mining event in North America - “The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business 28th Annual African Mining Breakfast & MineAfrica’s 25th Annual Investing in African Mining Seminar” presented by Hatch - on March 9 at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel.
2. Custom booth space in the MineAfrica pavilion at the PDAC Trade Show from March 7-10
Register to confirm your participation in one of the two briefings:
Register for English Briefing - Tuesday September 15 at 9:00 AM EDT
Inscriver-vouz au briefing en francais - jeudi 17 septembre a 09h00 EDT
Feel free to forward this email to colleagues you think might be interested in participating.
Contact wayne@mineafrica.com if you have any questions.
Read the 2026 report on Africa at PDAC with links to the program, presentations and photo gallery from earlier this year.
Member Feature: Storspay — Faster, Cheaper Payments Across Africa. Learn more at the September 24th Webinar
The Chamber recently welcomed Storspay (StorsApp, Inc.) as a corporate member. Founded by Dr. Sam Alonge and backed by Techstars NYC—with Sam named to the Inc. 500 Founders in 2025—Storspay has built agent-callable payment rails for cross-border payroll and supplier payments, live across 26 corridors spanning Africa, Asia and Latin America, including the CFA zone.
Users or AI agents in North America can pay anyone across these 26 corridors in seconds, with recipients receiving funds in USD or local currency directly in their bank accounts or mobile wallets. Africa-based users can in turn pay business partners in North America using local currency and accept payments in USD into accounts created for them. Those travelling to North America can get a USD business card funded in local currency to cover their spend across the USA and Canada.
Founder Dr. Sam Alonge will also join us as a featured speaker at Africa Accelerating in Toronto on October 7, as Storspay tackles one of the biggest pain points for North American businesses operating in Africa: the cost and complexity of cross-border payments. Where banks charge 5–7%, Storspay brings that down to 2% all-in, with same-day settlement in local currency—no SWIFT fees, no intermediary banks and no week-long waits. Recipients receive funds directly in their existing bank or mobile-money account. They can also hold USD in provisioned USD accounts and get debit cards to spend their balance anywhere online or when travelling internationally.
Chamber members can meet Sam sooner at a live webinar, "A Faster, Cheaper Way to Pay Teams in Africa," Thursday, September 24 at 10 AM ET / 7 AM PT, hosted via 6ix—and members get their first payment fee-free, up to $5,000 in volume. To redeem, email info@storsapp.com and mention the Canada-Africa Chamber. Register here and Read More at canadaafrica.ca
See how much your business could save — try the savings calculator at https://storspay.com/#calculator
Upcoming Events
Trade and Investment Reception & Dinner, September 16, Nairobi, Kenya
Faster, Cheaper Payments Across Africa, September 24th, Virtual
Africa Accelerating 2026 - Canada Program, October 6-7: Toronto, Canada
7th Canada-Africa Business Conference, February 2-4, 2027, Windhoek, Namibia
Member Program: 2027 Investing in African Mining Indaba, February 7-11, Cape Town, South Africa
28th Annual African Mining Breakfast and 24th Annual Investing in African Mining Seminar March 9th, Toronto, Canada
Canada-Africa Forum, April 1, Montreal, Canada
8th Canada-Africa Business Conference, April 2027, Accra, Ghana
Member Event Recap: Unlocking Growth in African Markets: Market Entry & Expansion - August 27
Olanrewaju Olokunde, Founder & CEO of Voranex Africa, joined the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business to unpack what it takes to enter and scale across African markets. Voranex is a B2B commercial execution firm that helps international companies validate, operate, and grow on the continent—giving serious businesses a credible, accountable path. Read More and Watch On-Demand.
Recent Engagements
Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NiDEC), Toronto — August 13
The Chamber was pleased to participate in the Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NiDEC) 2026 in the Greater Toronto Area, themed “Invest Nigeria; Thrive Abroad.” Chamber President Garreth Bloor delivered Welcome Remarks on Day Two, highlighting the diaspora's role as an engine of Nigeria's economy — Nigerians abroad sent home an estimated US$22 billion last year — and the opportunity to deepen Canada-Nigeria trade and investment through aviation infrastructure and stronger trade and investment leadership. Board Chair Paula Caldwell St-Onge also joined and addressed delegates. The Chamber thanks the NiDEC Organizing Committee, including Conference Director Faith Oloruntoba and Professor Izu Nwachukwu, for a well-organized gathering.
Black Engineers of Canada National Conference, Toronto — August 14
The Chamber joined the inaugural Black Engineers of Canada (BEC) National Conference at the Arcadian Court in Toronto, where Board Chair Paula Caldwell St-Onge delivered a keynote and moderated the panel “Bridging Business Opportunities with Africa and the Caribbean,” alongside Export Development Canada's Anne-Gabrielle Berthaud and Global Affairs Canada's Frédérique Delapree. The Chamber thanks BEC President Iretomiwa Olukiyesi and the organizing team for the invitation to take part in this important inaugural gathering.
National Day of the Kingdom of Morocco - July 31
Paula Caldwell St-Onge attended this timely occasion to celebrate Canada-Morocco ties and explore further avenues for trade and investment between our two economies.
Morocco presents business opportunities of interest to Canada in education, agri-food, mining, aerospace, automotive, defence, information technology and green technology. Read More
IN REVIEW: Chamber Events
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.
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.
PDAC 2026
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
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 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,
Garreth Bloor
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)
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