Minister Sajjan reaffirms Canada’s engagement in Africa and steadfast support to partners on the continent as he concludes trip to Ethiopia, Egypt and Chad

May 29, 2023 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, concluded visits to Ethiopia, Egypt and Chad. Arielle Kayabaga, Member of Parliament for London West, Ontario, accompanied the Minister on this visit. While there, they had discussions on the impacts of climate change, conflicts and regional instability on food security and saw the positive impact that women have on food systems. Minister Sajjan also announced $140 million in funding for development projects in Africa and $39.8 million in humanitarian assistance funding for Sahel and Lake Chad Basin countries.

In Ethiopia, Minister Sajjan and MP Kayabaga met with Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, to sign a letter of intent to establish a Canada-African Union Commission Development Policy Dialogue and discuss areas for collaboration. The Minister also met with representatives of the Government of Ethiopia to discuss progress on peace, recovery and economic reform, convey expectations with regard to inclusive and accountable approach to the delivery of aid, and engage with interlocutors about the situation in Sudan and its regional implications.

In Egypt, Minister Sajjan attended the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group Annual Meetings where, in his role as an AfDB governor, he delivered Canada’s statement. In his address to the AfDB governors, the Minister reiterated the importance of partnerships and an inclusive dialogue to tackle global challenges such as climate change and to advance national development objectives. Minister Sajjan met with AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina to discuss shared priorities of climate action, food security and gender equality.

In Chad, Minister Sajjan met with Chad’s transitional president, Mahatmat Idriss Déby Itno, and other representatives of the Government to discuss the impact of the Sudanese crisis on Chad and regional stability. Minister Sajjan expressed his appreciation for Chad’s significant contributions to peacekeeping in Africa and he noted the need for an inclusive democratic process and respect for civil society and human rights. He also used the opportunity to discuss the need for an inclusive democratic process and a range of development issues, including the potential of climate-smart agriculture to build resilient and adaptable food production systems and help address the effects of climate change and improve food security in Africa. Minister Sajjan and MP Kayabaga also met with Canadian partners to learn about their ongoing humanitarian and development work in Chad, including how they are responding to the needs of local vulnerable communities that are welcoming an influx of refugees fleeing the crisis in Sudan. Minister Sajjan announced Canada’s new Sahel Regional Development Program, which complements existing bilateral, multilateral and multi-country programming.