Recent events are nothing but shock therapy for many Canadians. The US economically devastating tariff threat at President Donald Trump’s request only strengthens Canada’s ripe time to diversify foreign engagement and cooperation, like in Africa’s regions.
Africa’s geopolitical and economic trajectory is restructuring the global order. Africa’s Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) promotes the world’s largest single market, youthful population, promotes innovation and the potential for vast renewable energy, so the continent is no longer in the vicinity of players. there is no. This is the foundation of the economy of the 21st century.
However, Canada has delayed the release of its comprehensive African trade strategy despite years of consultations and commitments. The time of hesitation is over.
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AFCFTA window is closed
The AFCFTA, which has 54 countries and 1.3 billion people, is projected to increase in in African trade by 52% by 2035.
The Canadian sector, from agrifood to clean technology, is well suited to meet Africa’s demand for value-added products and infrastructure.
Global competitors are already in motion. China’s trade with Africa exceeded $200 billion in 2023, but the European Union and India are accelerating trade deal negotiations across the continent.
Without a formal strategy, Canada risks losing access to markets that can define economic growth over the next decade.
Geopolitical interests are higher than ever
Russia and China are increasing their influence across Africa, often at the expense of democratic governance and transparency. The absence of Canada is not just a financial mistake. It’s a strategic blank.
By working with African priorities, such as Agenda 2063, which emphasizes independence and sustainable development, Canada can offset its exploitative partnerships with its roots in mutual benefits.
As Agenda 2063 identifies, African leaders have been saying that they have been striving to fight apartheid and political independence, and that they have been working to “comprehensive social and economic development, continental and regional integration, democratic governance and peace and security.” “The agenda from apartheid and political independence to refocus. Africa faces an annual infrastructure deficit of US$100 billion over centuries of colonial invasion and extraction.
Recent Canadian investments in peace and security, good governance, people-to-people relationships ($54 million) and economic empowerment ($176 million for women and youth empowerment) signal intentions But without a unified strategy, these efforts are fragmented.
Canadian media/Eduardrima
Perfectly tailored to African needs
Institutions such as the Canadian world-class engineering firm and the Canadian Infrastructure Bank will partner with institutions such as the African provinces and the African Development Bank to replicate the successes achieved in projects such as Ghana’s renewable energy grid. can.
The African startup ecosystem is thriving in the financial technology and Agritech sector where Canadian expertise and venture capital can potentially catalyze growth.
Projects like Lobito Corridor offer opportunities for Canadian companies to contribute to the development of rail and transport that could potentially be transformative.
With significant solar and other renewable energy possibilities, Africa is important for the net-zero transition. Canadian mining companies and clean energy innovators are natural partners in the lithium and cobalt projects despite the suspicious human and environmental rights track record of some Canadian mining companies in the region.
Canada and Africa’s strategies need to show support for the forced compliance with Canadian mining companies’ environmental and human rights standards towards a sustainable mining framework in Canada, and to independent surveillance and already existing violations. Accountability needs to be strengthened through mechanisms such as legal consequences. By prioritizing partnerships with African governments and communities, such strategies can ensure ethical practices through transparent agreements, community consent protocols, and shared governance models, and more ethical behavior. promotes the future of
AP Photo/Ben Cartis)
From aid to fairness
Decades of humanitarian assistance has nurtured goodwill, but African leaders are increasingly demanding cooperation
Canada’s feminist international support policy emphasizes gender equality and is consistent with Africa’s demand for women-led development.
But true partnerships require reciprocity, like South Africa’s enormous investment in Canadian mining and climate research cooperation. Over 1.2 million African diaspora communities in Canada are the bridge to these opportunities.
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G7 President offers opportunities
The collaboration between Canada’s 2025 G7 president and South Africa’s 2025 G20 president will unveil Canada’s African strategy, from debt relief to digital inclusion, to bring to mind the pivotal moments to capture mainstream Africa’s priorities. Provided.
The G20 rally of Cape Town’s finance ministers and central bank governors will diversify the involvement and interests of Canada’s foreign policy to position the country to rally allies behind new initiatives that exist across the continent. It provides the perfect moment to demonstrate your plans.
Delaying further not only makes business and diaspora groups equally irritating, but also leaves Canada to a small role in the continent’s economic and social development.
The EU’s public and private investments in the green and digital transition of lithium in Kenya and Ghana have signed contracts with Australia, underscoring the urgency to a coordinated, coordinated approach. Canada’s reputation as a trusted partner depends on balance.
AP Photo/Andrew Cask)
Calling for cohesion
Canada Africa’s strategy is more important than ever. To be fully involved, every plan must clarify Pan-African trade and streamlined export opportunities. Soft power must be utilized by expanding diplomatic missions across the local economic community.
Investing in mutual growth through joint ventures in mining, agriculture processing and digital infrastructure is also important. Embedding climate justice by linking critical mineral exports to Africa’s renewable energy projects is a key mandate of gender equality, one health, and knowledge exchange through things like the South African and the University of Canada network. Promote sustainable development while maintaining it.
The rise of Africa is not a distant future. It’s being unfolded now. Canada has tools, values and economic obligations to act. Being even further delays doesn’t mean you’re simply missing out on opportunities. It’s a generational misstep.
The strategy has been drafted and the stakeholders are ready. All that is missing is the political will to launch by attacking “public.”
