Canada is stepping up efforts to strengthen economic ties with Nigeria ahead of a major business conference in Lagos later this month, underscoring Ottawa’s growing interest in Africa as it seeks to diversify trade and investment relationships beyond traditional markets.
Preparations are advancing for the 6th Canada–Africa Business Conference, scheduled for June 24–25 in Lagos, with dozens of Canadian companies expected to attend the event organized by the Canada–Africa Chamber of Business.
The conference received a boost following the recent visit of Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development, Randeep Sarai, who traveled to Nigeria from May 21 to 22 and used the trip to highlight the upcoming gathering as a key platform for expanding commercial engagement between the two countries.
The timing reflects a broader shift in Canada’s international trade strategy as policymakers increasingly look toward emerging markets to drive future growth.
Nigeria remains Canada’s second-largest merchandise trading partner in Africa and one of the continent’s most strategically important economies. With a population exceeding 220 million people and a rapidly expanding consumer market, Nigeria has become a focal point for international businesses seeking exposure to Africa’s growth story.
Canadian officials have increasingly emphasized the importance of strengthening commercial ties with African economies as part of a broader goal to double Canada’s non-U.S. exports by 2035.
“Nigeria is Canada’s second-largest merchandise trading partner in Africa and represents an important market as we look to double our non-U.S. exports by 2035,” Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, said in comments released ahead of the conference.
The event is expected to bring together senior business executives, investors, government representatives, financial institutions, and development partners from both countries to explore opportunities across sectors including financial services, infrastructure, energy, mining, agriculture, technology, retail, and clean energy.
Organizers say the conference will focus on practical business partnerships and project development rather than broad policy discussions, reflecting growing private-sector interest in African markets.
Garreth Bloor, President of the Canada–Africa Chamber of Business, said the conference represents part of a larger effort to deepen commercial engagement between Canada and Africa at a time when global economic growth patterns are shifting.
The Chamber argues that Africa’s expanding middle class, urbanization trends, infrastructure needs, and digital transformation efforts are creating significant opportunities for foreign investors and business partners.
Canada’s engagement with Nigeria also comes amid increased competition among global powers seeking stronger economic relationships across Africa. Countries including China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Turkey, India, and the United Arab Emirates have all expanded trade, investment, and diplomatic engagement across the continent over the past decade.
For Canadian businesses, Nigeria offers access not only to one of Africa’s largest economies but also to a broader regional market supported by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to create the world’s largest free-trade zone by number of participating countries.
Among the major corporate supporters of the conference is Zenith Bank Plc, which is serving as headline sponsor. The Nigerian banking giant has positioned itself as a key financial partner for Canadian businesses seeking to enter or expand across African markets.
“Zenith Bank Plc is proud to serve as headline sponsor of the 6th Canada–Africa Business Conference in Lagos, an important platform for deepening trade and investment between Canada and Nigeria,” said Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Adaora Umeoji.
Security and risk management firm GardaWorld Security Africa is also supporting the event, highlighting growing interest among Canadian companies with existing operations across the continent.
The conference is expected to serve as a barometer of Canada’s evolving Africa strategy and the willingness of Canadian companies to pursue new opportunities in some of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
As global trade patterns continue to shift and businesses seek new growth opportunities beyond traditional markets, organizers believe the Canada–Africa Business Conference will help position Nigeria and other African economies as increasingly important destinations for Canadian investment and commercial partnerships.
For both countries, the conference represents more than a networking event. It is part of a broader effort to build long-term economic relationships at a time when governments and businesses alike are looking toward Africa as a major driver of future global growth.
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