Launch of public consultations on Canada’s approach to partnerships in Africa

News release

August 14, 2024 – Ottawa, ON - Global Affairs Canada

Canada has been actively reviewing its approach, in line with the feminist foreign policy and feminist international assistance policy, to engaging with African countries and institutions to build stronger, expanded and more visible partnerships. 

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, and the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, today announced public consultations on Canada’s approach to partnerships across the African continent. These consultations will complement discussions held with trusted partners, international counterparts, and key stakeholders in the humanitarian, economic and foreign policy space.

The African continent is a dynamic continent of growing geopolitical and economic importance – a continent with which Canada shares strong people-to-people ties. The Government of Canada is seeking input on the renewed approach for partnerships across the African continent.

The consultation will serve to gather feedback on proposed themes including building shared prosperity, reducing poverty, assisting in humanitarian crises, and supporting women and youth, collaborating on global priorities, protecting and advancing shared values and interests, and strengthening peace and security.

Global Affairs Canada invites participation and comments from the public and stakeholders, including:

  • the Canadian public, including African diaspora communities
  • academics and experts, and civil society organizations
  • provinces, territories and municipalities
  • industry associations, labour organizations, and small, medium-sized and large enterprises

To participate in the consultation, interested parties are encouraged to review the consultation information and background information and provide feedback by e-mail or mail. The consultations will be open until September 15, 2024.

As Canada and our African partners strengthen ties, we will continue to collaborate to advance shared priorities and foster mutual prosperity. 

Quotes

“Canada will continue to work to build stronger and more robust partnerships with African countries and institutions. These consultations are an important step in fostering collaboration and growing these relationships.”

- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“Canadian and African businesses benefit greatly from the growing Canada-Africa trade relationship, thanks to meaningful economic opportunities and strong people-to-people ties. Consultations like these ensure we continue to support trade opportunities for all.”

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

“Canada is sharpening our focus on our African partnerships—empowering women and youth, and expanding our development work. By actively engaging with diverse voices through the consultation process, we will strengthen our partnerships with African institutions and organizations for a more sustainable future for all.”

- Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development

Quick facts

  • In 2023, Canada’s merchandise trade with African countries totaled $16.3 billion.

  • In 2023, Canada launched public consultations on an economic cooperation strategy with Africa. These consultations were aimed to create sustainable, inclusive and long-term trade and economic partnerships between Canada and the African continent.

  • Canada has cultivated relationships in the African continent for more than five decades through our work with African countries and with regional and international bodies. There are currently 28 Canadian mission offices in Africa.

  • In 2022-2023, Canada provided $4.1 billion in international assistance to the African continent mainly through institutional support of multilateral organizations and through Canadian and African partners.

  • In September 2023, Canada opened a dedicated mission and appointed Ambassador Ben Marc Diendéré as permanent observer to the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which will enable Canada to bring a renewed focus to its relationship with the African Union and strengthen ongoing efforts on shared priorities.

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