Once again, during PDAC 2026 in Toronto, the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business was delighted to welcome approximately 650 delegates to its 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 the Chamber's upcoming programs and events across a wide range of sectors.
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.
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.
"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)
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.