Joint Statement of the 2^nd Trade Policy Dialogue between Canada and the African Union Commission

November 6, 2024, in Toronto, Canada

On November 6, 2024, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development and His Excellency Ambassador Albert Muchanga, Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, met and welcomed with appreciation the conclusion of the Canada-African Union Commission 2^nd Trade Policy Dialogue (TPD), in Toronto.

During the TPD, Canada and the African Union Commission reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen an open, inclusive and rules-based trade and investment system between Canada and Africa, and to continue deepening and expanding their economic and trade relationship through collaboration in bilateral and multilateral fora, including the Canada-African Union Commission High-Level Dialogue, which will take place in Toronto on November 7, 2024.

Canada and the African Union Commission acknowledged the leading role that the private sector plays as a key engine for economic growth and job creation, and committed to continue working towards improving the business environment between Canada and Africa.

Canada and the African Union Commission reaffirmed the importance of the ongoing implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to support inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Africa.

During the TPD, senior officials discussed trade issues of mutual interest, including digital trade, investment, state-owned enterprises, and collaboration at the World Trade Organization (WTO). Canada and the African Union Commission explored issues related to the WTO Joint Statement Initiative on E-Commerce and the UNCITRAL Working Group III on reform of the Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) system.

Both sides also discussed ways to continue ensuring fair competition between firms, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and state-owned enterprises (SOEs), as well as their respective experiences with the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and the ongoing WTO dispute settlement reform process, with an emphasis on the appeal/review and accessibility topics. Canada also reiterated its support for the African Union to gain permanent observer status at the World Trade Organization.

Both sides further decided to launch two Joint Technical Working Groups focused on digital trade and investment policy, which will serve as platforms to enhance collaboration between Canada and the African Union Commission in these aforementioned areas. Both Joint Technical Working Groups will report to the next TPD scheduled to take place in Africa in 2025.