Canada unveils first Global Africa Strategy focusing on shared prosperity, security

Canada has launched its inaugural Africa Strategy, a comprehensive policy aimed at enhancing economic cooperation, security, and shared prosperity between Canada and African nations.
Developed through extensive consultations over two years, the strategy, launched on 6 March, seeks to strengthen trade, promote peace, and foster sustainable development, particularly through youth empowerment and infrastructure development. The strategy outlines five key priorities: boosting economic opportunities, addressing security challenges, promoting human rights, fostering diplomatic ties, and supporting sustainable development. One of its major initiatives includes the establishment of a pan-African trade hub to stimulate business relations, particularly in critical sectors like infrastructure and minerals. Additionally, Canada plans to invest $25.7 million in conflict areas such as Sudan and the Sahel region, focusing on humanitarian aid, security, and social cohesion.
While the strategy emphasizes deepening ties with the African Union and strengthening multilateral cooperation, it has been met with some criticism for lacking new funding commitments, especially compared to Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy. Advocates had hoped for more detailed, targeted initiatives and funding for specific countries. While calling the strategy a “milestone moment,” Kofi Achampong, a Ghana-born lawyer, has pointed to major shortfalls in the policy, citing a lack of specific projects “strategically linked” to dedicated funding for each.
Despite these concerns, Canada’s government remains committed to enhancing its engagement with Africa, recognizing the continent’s growing economic potential driven by its youthful population. “This commitment is not just about making economic gains or providing assistance, it is also about building a future where Canada and Africa thrive together,” Mary Ng, Canada’s minister of export promotion, international trade and economic development, commented. As the strategy is set into motion, Canadian leaders aim to create mutually beneficial opportunities for both Canadians and Africans in the years to come.