Today, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), welcomed to Ottawa, Ontario, Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.
Minister Anand and Secretary of State Sarai highlighted Canada's broader approach to engagement with Africa under Canada's Africa Strategy, including support for trade-led growth, economic resilience, and mutually beneficial partnerships, as well as the important role of Canada's African diaspora communities in strengthening people-to-people ties and commercial linkages.
The ministers reaffirmed Canada's commitment to supporting African countries in working toward implementing the AfCFTA, including through existing programming with the African Trade Policy Centre of the UN Economic Commission for Africa and related technical assistance initiatives.
The ministers noted strong connections between AfCFTA priority sectors-such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, transport and logistics-and Canadian expertise in areas like agri-food, clean technology, digital innovation and infrastructure. They highlighted opportunities to grow trade and investment that benefit both African and Canadian businesses while supporting economic growth across Africa.
Minister Anand emphasized Canada's interest in fostering practical initiatives that help connect Canadian businesses with emerging regional value chains created through the AfCFTA. She also highlighted the importance of advancing trade and investment opportunities that support long-term economic growth.
Secretary of State Sarai emphasized the need to support skills development and youth employment and create opportunities for women, including through partnerships in technical and vocational training, while also strengthening business ties between Canada and African countries.
