Building Bridges: Ongoing Discussions to Strengthen Canada-Africa Partnerships

As a part of their ongoing efforts to gather expert advice and perspectives on Canadian-African relations, the Canadian Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade convened On December 11th, 2024, with prominent representatives from the Canadian-African diplomatic community serving as primary witnesses. The witnesses for this session included His Excellency Prosper Higiro, High Commissioner of Rwanda; His Excellency Ngole Philip Ngwese, High Commissioner of Cameroon; Her Excellency Souriya Otmani, Ambassador of Morocco; and His Excellency Rieaz Moe Shaik, High Commissioner of South Africa. These witnesses provided invaluable insights on how Canada can strengthen its engagement with Africa more broadly and within their respective nations. The discussions served to bridge gaps between the Canadian government and African representatives, offering key strategies to enhance bilateral and multilateral partnerships.

The witnesses highlighted Africa’s growing global significance, both as an economic engine and a strategic partner. Ambassador Otmani underscored Africa’s position as the fastest-growing region within Canada’s Atlantic neighborhood and a crucial demographic driver of future global growth. She advocated for a strategic framework where Canada and Africa optimize their Atlantic ties, focusing on industrial development, local processing industries, and diversified trade partnerships. Ambassador Otmani also pointed to transformative regional projects like the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline and Morocco's Atlantic initiatives, inviting Canada to collaborate on these ventures and strengthen its presence in the Sahel.

Similarly, High Commissioner Higiro called attention to the immense potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which is poised to become one of the world’s largest trading blocs. Noting that while trade between Canada and Africa has grown by two-thirds in the past five years to $16 billion, it lags behind Africa's partnerships with other G7 nations. Closing this gap, he argued, requires consistent and systematic engagement, reducing barriers such as limited visa access and perceived business risks. His proposed measures included high-level visits, private-sector exchanges, and solutions to eliminate double taxation.

High Commissioner Ngwese of Cameroon provided a compelling African perspective on Canada’s reputation, noting its absence of a colonial or apartheid legacy, its advocacy for justice and peace, and its humanitarian outreach. However, he emphasized that Canada must align its Africa strategy with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 to maintain this favorable image. By fostering partnerships that enhance local processing industries and infrastructure, particularly in energy, transport, and communication, Canada can help Africa address the root causes of poverty and inequality. Such investments would create jobs and wealth, reduce emigration, and contribute to Africa’s sustainable growth.

High Commissioner Shaik addressed Canada’s asymmetrical relationship with Africa, noting that for every dollar in aid, two-and-a-half dollars flow back to Canada. He urged Canada to adopt bold initiatives akin to the U.S. African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and Power Africa initiatives to foster mutually beneficial relationships. He also suggested leveraging Canada's innovation superclusters to build partnerships with African counterparts and called for Canada to invest in large-scale infrastructure projects like rail networks, which could serve as transformative contributions to Africa’s development.

Throughout the discussions, several recurring themes emerged. Witnesses highlighted the importance of regional and continental approaches, such as collaborating with the African Union and regional organizations to address conflicts and foster peacebuilding. The need for Canadian leadership in key sectors, communications, transport, energy, and local processing, was repeatedly emphasized. Witnesses also urged Canada to increase its diplomatic and financial resources dedicated to Africa, establish preferential trade agreements, and address the structural barriers that hinder deeper economic engagement.

Witnesses pointed to the lack of bold initiatives and inadequate support for private sector engagement when asked about Canada's inconsistencies in its Africa policy. High Commissioner Higiro expressed concern over Canada’s partial withdrawal from the continent and its focus on more traditional markets. Ambassador Shaik highlighted Africa’s debt crises and stressed the importance of understanding Africa’s regional dynamics. He noted that Canada must prioritize collaboration with African regional organizations rather than adopting a country-by-country approach. Similarly, Ambassador Otmani emphasized that Canada’s Africa strategy must align with Agenda 2063 and be flexible in working with countries excelling in specific industries while supporting broader continental integration.

Also acknowledged was the growing influence of China and Russia in Africa, warning that Canada risks being sidelined if it does not proactively engage. ?Ambassador Otmani remarked that if Canada does not step up, other nations will fill the void. High Commissioner Shaik proposed that Canada could draw lessons from U.S. initiatives like Power Africa or Rail Africa to create impactful projects that align with Africa’s long-term needs.

Actionable Steps for Canada

Based on the witnesses’ recommendations and insights, Canada could take the following concrete steps as it seeks to strengthen its engagement with the continent:

• Enhance Diplomatic and Trade Resources: Expand the Africa branch of Global Affairs Canada with additional financial and human resources. Increase the number of visa-issuing centers on the continent to facilitate business and diplomatic exchanges.
• Develop Strategic Frameworks: Align Canada’s Africa strategy with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and support regional initiatives like the AfCFTA. Create a Canadian equivalent of the U.S. AGOA to encourage trade partnerships and reduce asymmetries in Canada-Africa trade.
• Invest in Infrastructure and Industrial Development: Support local processing industries for Africa’s raw materials to add value and create jobs. Collaborate on significant infrastructure projects, including railways, energy, and communications, to bolster regional connectivity and growth.
• Facilitate High-Level Engagement: Promote bilateral and multilateral exchanges through high-level visits and partnerships between Canadian and African private sectors. Incentivize Canadian development finance institutions with concessional capital to de-risk investments in Africa.
• Support Peace and Stability: Work with the African Union and regional organizations to address the root causes of conflict. Back African-led efforts to reform the United Nations Security Council and strengthen multilateralism.
• Leverage Innovation and Expertise: Mandate Canadian superclusters to form partnerships with African counterparts. Collaborate on transformative regional projects like the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline and the Royal Atlantic Initiative.

The session concluded with a clear message that has been echoed time and time again by those who have been asked to serve as witnesses at these sessions: Africa presents a wealth of opportunities for Canada, not only as a market but as a strategic partner in building a sustainable and prosperous future. If Canada does not act boldly and proactively, it risks being outpaced by nations like China and Russia. By addressing structural barriers, investing in key sectors, and aligning its strategies with African priorities, Canada can redefine its relationship with the continent and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s growth. As Ambassador Otmani remarked, "If Canada does not step up, others will fill the void." The time is ripe for Canada to build a more dynamic, equitable, and impactful partnership with Africa.

Canadian Centre for African Affairs and Policy Research