Parliamentary Secretary Alghabra to lead Canadian delegation to Africa Investment Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa

News release

November 7, 2018 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Expanding and diversifying Canada’s global trade, including with the fast-growing economies in Africa, is a priority for the Government of Canada. Economic and population growth has led to major infrastructure initiatives throughout the continent, and Canadian companies are well placed to take part in these transformational projects. Canadians offer world-class expertise to help build a more prosperous Africa while creating more well-paying jobs for the middle class here at home. 

From November 7 to 9, 2018, Omar Alghabra, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade Diversification, will lead the Canadian delegation of 19 participants at the Africa Investment Forum (AIF), in Johannesburg. The AIF is an initiative of the African Development Bank (AfDB). Canada is the fourth-largest shareholder in the AfDB, a key regional player in the effort to meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a multilateral commitment shared by Canada. The AIF will highlight Canadian companies’ expertise in supporting the SDGs and accelerating Africa’s sustainable economic development. 

Parliamentary Secretary Alghabra will take part in AIF panel discussions, including a special session entitled Investing in Women that will be broadcast live across Africa. African women are key to the continent’s economic prosperity, and the Government of Canada is actively working to empower women and girls to unleash their entrepreneurial potential. The Parliamentary Secretary will witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding between FinDev Canada and the AfDB, as well as meeting with senior officials of the AfDB, African ministers attending the AIF and companies looking to invest in Canada.

Quotes

“The Africa Investment Forum is an important platform for advancing the region’s infrastructure imperative, as well as for demonstrating Canada’s support for innovative financing for developing countries while at the same time showcasing Canadian expertise that can be a part of the solution.”

- Omar Alghabra, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade Diversification

Quick facts

  • From 2015 to 2017, Canada averaged a value of $6.1 billion in annual merchandise trade with the 48 countries of sub-Saharan Africa.

  • In 2017, the value of Canadian direct investment in sub-Saharan Africa totalled $10 billion.

  • The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service serves Canadian companies operating in all 48 countries of sub-Saharan Africa through its 16 trade offices, which are located in Canada’s embassies and high commissions in the region.

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Contacts

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Global Affairs Canada
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media@international.gc.ca
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