Canada Unveils Africa Strategy to Boost Economic Prosperity and Security

Toronto, Ontario — Canada has officially launched its Africa Strategy, a comprehensive policy designed to strengthen economic partnerships, promote peace and security, and enhance mutual prosperity between Canada and African nations. The strategy, titled A Partnership for Shared Prosperity and Security, marks Canada’s first global foreign policy initiative focused solely on Africa.

The announcement was made on Thursday by the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, alongside the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, and the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development. The ministers outlined Canada’s commitment to deepening economic cooperation, fostering peace and security, and promoting sustainable development across Africa.

The Africa Strategy, developed over two years through consultations with Canadian and international stakeholders, aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. It emphasizes shared priorities such as job creation, infrastructure development, democratic strengthening, conflict prevention, and sustainable economic growth.

Canada’s new Africa Strategy is here.

Focused on stronger and diversified partnerships, economic growth, shared prosperity and sustainable development with African nations. Together, we’re building a more secure, inclusive, and prosperous future.

— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) March 6, 2025

According to Minister Joly, the strategy will enable Canada to increase mutually beneficial economic opportunities through partnerships in infrastructure, trade, and job creation. It will also advance peace and security cooperation by supporting conflict prevention, countering terrorism, and promoting human rights and democratic inclusion.

To facilitate the strategy’s implementation, Minister Joly announced the appointment of Ben Marc Diendéré, Canada’s Permanent Observer to the African Union, as Canada’s Special Envoy for Africa. In his new role, Diendéré will engage high-level stakeholders and collaborate with Canadian heads of mission across Africa to promote trade and economic growth. Additionally, Canada’s Ambassador to Senegal, Marcel Lebleu, was named Special Envoy for the Sahel to bolster Canada’s engagement in the region amid ongoing security and humanitarian challenges.

Furthering its commitment, Canada announced the establishment of a full high commission in Zambia and a full embassy in Benin to strengthen its diplomatic presence in Africa. Additionally, a new diaspora-engagement mechanism will be introduced to promote partnerships between African diaspora communities in Canada and their home countries.

In line with its peace and security agenda, Canada pledged more than $25.7 million to support conflict prevention, protection of civilians, and humanitarian assistance in Sudan, the Sahel, and Ethiopia. This includes efforts to counter violent extremism and promote stability in conflict-affected regions.

Minister Hussen also announced over $869.5 million in funding to support more than 50 international assistance and humanitarian projects. These projects will focus on promoting economic growth, enhancing governance, tackling climate change, improving global health, and strengthening peace and security in Africa.

To drive economic collaboration, Minister Ng announced the creation of a new pan-Africa trade hub to increase private sector engagement and promote trade across the continent. Additionally, plans were revealed for the opening of a FinDev Canada office in South Africa, aimed at driving investments and fostering economic development.

Canada has already invested approximately $4.5 billion in international assistance programs across Africa over the past five years. With the launch of the Africa Strategy, the government aims to enhance trade relations, increase economic partnerships, and contribute to peace and stability across the continent.

The Africa Strategy is expected to significantly strengthen multilateral, regional, and bilateral partnerships, paving the way for greater shared prosperity between Canada and Africa.