Africa Business Conference Gains Momentum After Senior Canadian Official’s Visit to Nigeria

Esther Speak - Senior Reporter at Villpress
3 Min Read
Source: APO Group
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Preparations for the 6th Canada–Africa Business Conference are advancing strongly following a high-level visit by Canadian Secretary of State for International Development, the Honourable Randeep Sarai, to Nigeria.

The two-day conference, scheduled for June 24 and 25, 2026, at Eko Hotels & Suites in Lagos, is expected to bring together senior government officials, business leaders, investors, and development partners from Canada and Nigeria to explore trade, investment, and large-scale project opportunities across Africa.

During his visit to Nigeria from May 21 to 22, 2026, Secretary Sarai actively promoted the upcoming conference. He engaged with Nigerian government officials, private sector representatives, and development partners, and hosted a trade and development reception highlighting potential collaboration in clean energy, infrastructure, agri-food, and other priority sectors.

The visit underscored Canada’s commitment to deepening economic and development partnerships with Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy. Secretary Sarai emphasised the importance of inclusive economic opportunities and modernised development cooperation between the two countries.

The Canada–Africa Chamber of Business, the organiser of the flagship event, described the high-level Canadian engagement as a significant boost to preparations. The conference aims to facilitate concrete deal-making and long-term partnerships, with a strong focus on practical outcomes in trade and investment.

Zenith Bank Plc has been confirmed as the headline sponsor for the 2026 edition, signalling strong private sector support from the Nigerian side. Canadian companies, including GardaWorld Security, are also backing the event as they expand their footprint across African markets.

Discussions at the conference are expected to centre on sectors where Canadian and Nigerian interests align strongly, including:

  • Clean energy and renewable power development
  • Infrastructure and large-scale project financing
  • Agri-food systems and agricultural technology
  • Education, skills development, and youth empowerment
  • Healthcare and digital innovation

With Nigeria serving as the host country, the event is positioned as a major platform to unlock new commercial opportunities between Canada and the broader African continent.

As the June dates approach, organisers are finalising speaker line-ups, business delegation schedules, and B2B matchmaking sessions. The strong momentum generated by Secretary Sarai’s visit suggests the 2026 conference could deliver one of the most substantive editions yet in terms of high-level participation and tangible business outcomes.

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Esther Speak - Senior Reporter at Villpress
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Ester Speaks is a senior reporter and newsroom strategist at Villpress, where she shapes Africa-focused business, technology, and policy coverage.  She works at the intersection of journalism, and editorial systems, producing clear, high-impact news that travels globally while staying rooted in African realities.

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