The Government of Canada is committed to increasing and diversifying trade and investment opportunities with African partners as part of Canada’s overall export diversification strategy and to benefit both Africans and Canadians.

“Work has been underway to deepen Canada’s relationship with Africa, and the launch of today’s public consultations takes this progress another step further. Your feedback will ensure the Canada-Africa Economic Cooperation Strategy supports the creation of meaningful commercial opportunities across our continents and equips Canadian entrepreneurs with the tools they need to diversify and grow.”

- Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development

• Africa’s is home to 5 of the top 10 fastest-growing economies in the world, and once fully implemented, the African Continental Free Trade Area will be equivalent to the world’s fifth-largest economy, with the potential for a combined GDP of more than $4.6 trillion.

• The first Canada-African Union Commission Trade Policy Dialogue, held on May 17, 2023, offered opportunities to discuss trade policy issues of mutual interest and will contribute to Canada’s ongoing efforts to solidify a comprehensive partnership with the African continent. The Trade Policy Dialogue builds on the first Canada-AUC High Level Dialogue, which was held from October 26 to 28, 2022. 

• In 2022, Canadian direct investment in Africa stood at $15.7 billion, while African foreign direct investment stock to Canada amounted to $2 billion. 

• In 2022, Canada’s merchandise trade with African countries totalled $15.1 billion.

• Canada has foreign investment promotion and protection agreements with Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Guinea, Mali, Senegal and Tanzania. These agreements provide stable, rules-based environments for investors.

• Canada provides support to African exporters and to foster an inclusive, rules-based and open trade policy in Africa through partnerships that include the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation, Trademark Africa and Trade Facilitation Office Canada.

• Canada is partnering with the United Nations Development Programme and various African regional economic communities to advance gender equality and women’s economic empowerment in trade policy in Africa.

• In June 2022, Canada announced both the establishment of a dedicated mission and permanent observer to the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and the conversion of the Canadian office in Kigali, Rwanda, into a high commission to enable Canada to strengthen ongoing efforts with the African Union on shared priorities and further strengthen its diplomatic relationship with Rwanda.

Associated links

• Minister Ng successfully concludes first Trade Policy Dialogue with African Union Commission
• Minister Ng speaks with African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry and Mining
• Minister Ng meets with Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Industry
• Minister Ng concludes successful virtual trade mission to Africa for women-owned and -led businesses
• Readout: Minister Ng speaks with Betty Maina, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development
• Minister Ng speaks with Amadou Hott, Senegal’s Minister of Economy, Planning and Cooperation
• Parliamentary Secretary Virani shares highlights of trade visits to South Africa and Zambia
• Minister Gould and Minister Ng conclude first Canada-Africa Clean Growth Symposium and announce Canada-African Development Bank Climate Fund

Shanti Cosentino
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development
343-576-4365
Shanti.Cosentino@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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