Date of publication: Sunday 1 June 2025
Africans in Canada mark the Africa Day 2025 with calls for more investment on the continent by Canadian companies.
By Tom Malaba
Monday 23 May 2025
The desire to spur economic growth on the African continent was perched unto the hearts and lips of people of African descent that graced the 4th edition of the Africa Day 2025 held at Carleton University on May 23.
The half day event organized by CASA Foundation for International Development, in collaboration with Black Advisory Hub under the theme “Promoting African –Canadian Partnerships”, pulled together members of the African Community in Canada, academicians, leaders and students with a desire to create an Africa they want see.
The Africa Day is marked to commemorate the creation of the Organization of African Union (OAU) on May 25th 1963, now Africa Union. Though it’s original aim was to fight apartheid in South Africa, fight for independence and mediate boundary conflict today it has taken on a social, political and economic front.
The President of CASA Foundation, Dr. Olutoyin Oyelade underscored the need to create partnerships, alliances and collaboration in a bid to boost Canadian companies direct investment to Africa.
“Five of the world’s fastest growing economies are in Africa,” Dr. Olutoyin Oyelada said of the beaconing potential on continent. She added that since the African population is the second-largest growing population in Canada as per the 2024 population statistics those intending to invest on the continent had a potential market.
“In 2024, Canada – Africa trade reached US$ 16bn. That is a number to watch that a growth we need to be part of,” She noted. However, she advised that in order to partake of the same Africans in Canada need to gather around tables for dialogue.
With the on-going trade wars between Canada and the United States of America, the President emphasized the need to have Canadian companies add value to African products in agriculture and mining to balance the trade. She also called for window to enable Africans benefit from Canadian education, cultural and have migrants of value come to Canada and contribute effectively to the country’s growth.
Borrowing from the African Union Agenda that seeks to create and Africa everyone wants by the year 2063, Dr. Olutoyin Oyelada said; “We do not have to wait for 2063 to live in the Africa we want. We have the Africa we want to live in now.”
The Zambian High Commissioner to Canada H.E Simon Etieku who graced the day informed participants that, they were way ahead in attracting Canadian companies to the continent. “We at an advanced stage to have Canada Air fly to Accra before December 2025.” H.E Etieku said and received applause. According to him the Canada Air will facilitate the seamless movement of passengers between Canada and the continent.
Before breaking into group discussion participants listened in on a five member panel highlighting how to grow trade relations with Africa and what Africa has to offer.
It was observed that though Africa is host to 18percent of the world population it takes up only 2 percent of the Global Air travel.
Prof. Odoi Yemoh of the Ghana Chamber of Commerce observed that Canadian investors will have no language barrier while setting up businesses on the continent because English and French are widely spoken on the continent.
“Canada is into mining on the continent and needs to diversify into areas of Agriculture and also boost export development,” Prof. Odi said.
However, it was observed that Africa needs to go the China and India way to build infrastructure that Canada could fit into for trade.
During the discussions there were also calls for Canada to create an agency to boost trade with the continent.
In regard to how to convince Canadian to invest in Africa, a call was made for Africans with connections to step up to the game and lead the way. But most importantly, Africa was faulted on the prevailing trade barriers.
Meanwhile, Prof. Awad Ibrahim urged Africans to reflect as to why the continent has a trade deficit.
“We need to question ourselves why many negative things continue to happen on the continent?”
“For opportunities to present themselves, we need leaders. We have leaders who are not up-to capacity,” Prof. Awad Ibrahim said adding; “We must know who is surrounding a leader and what kind of mind they have.”
Prof. Awad Ibrahim called for self reflection if the African continent is to benefit from Canadian direct investment.
Meanwhile during the same day, the Sprott School of Business at Carleton University that hosted the day launched a mentorship program that will see 60 youth drawn from High schools in Ottawa receive business mentorship.
According to the Dean, Sprott School of Business Prof. Rebecca Renfroe, those taken on the program will attend in-person and virtual workshops on Saturday for a period of ten weeks.
Prof. Rebecca Renfroe disclosed that her department had decided to take up the mentorship program at the request of CASA Foundation. Upon completion the successful candidates will be awarded with certificates.
