Efforts to deepen economic ties between Africa and Canada gained renewed momentum as Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, held high-level discussions with Ms. Paula Caldwell St-Onge, Chairperson of the Canada–Africa Chamber of Business.
The meeting focused on advancing the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) while unlocking new pathways for trade and investment between the two regions. As AfCFTA moves into its implementation phase, such engagements are increasingly seen as critical to translating policy frameworks into tangible economic outcomes.
Central to the discussions was the role of the Canada–Africa Chamber of Business as a catalytic platform for mobilising private sector engagement. Both parties underscored the Chamber’s importance in connecting investors, facilitating partnerships, and promoting informed dialogue on market opportunities across the African continent.
A key issue raised during the meeting was the need to address prevailing risk perceptions associated with investing in Africa. The participants highlighted the importance of de-risking mechanisms, particularly those supported by financial institutions, to enhance investor confidence and unlock capital flows into priority sectors.
To this end, both sides agreed on the need for a more structured and coordinated investment approach. This includes identifying country-specific opportunities across AfCFTA State Parties, developing a robust investment framework, and establishing a pipeline of bankable, investment-ready projects.
Priority sectors identified during the engagement include green energy, digital technologies, agriculture, and infrastructure areas widely recognised as critical to Africa’s industrialisation and long-term economic transformation. Strengthening investment in these sectors is expected to boost productivity, enhance value chains, and support job creation across the continent.
The meeting also reaffirmed the strategic role of the AfCFTA as a key driver of Africa’s economic integration agenda and a powerful instrument for strengthening partnerships with global stakeholders, including Canada. By creating a single continental market, AfCFTA offers a unique platform for scaling trade, fostering innovation, and building resilient economies.
As both parties committed to sustained collaboration, the engagement signals growing alignment between African institutions and international partners in advancing shared economic goals. With implementation of AfCFTA gathering pace, such partnerships are expected to play a decisive role in shaping the future of Canada–Africa trade and investment relations.
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