Zenith Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties between Canada and Africa by serving as the headline sponsor of the sixth Canada-Africa Business Conference in Lagos.
Organised by the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, the conference brought together representatives from 31 Canadian companies, government officials, business leaders, investors, diplomats and development partners to explore opportunities for deeper commercial cooperation.
The event sought to strengthen economic relations between Canada and African countries while positioning Nigeria as a gateway for Canadian businesses looking to expand across the continent.
The Canadian delegation included firms operating in financial services, mining and critical minerals, infrastructure, technology, healthcare, education, legal services, security and clean energy, reflecting growing interest in Africa’s expanding markets.
Speaking on behalf of Zenith Bank Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Adaora Umeoji, Executive Director Akin Ogunranti said Africa is increasingly well positioned to drive global economic growth, citing stronger institutions, improving policy frameworks and expanding regional partnerships.
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He said the continent now has the foundations needed to transform its vast economic potential into tangible prosperity through increased investment and collaboration.
Representing Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Permanent Secretary for the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment Babatunde Onigbanjo said Canada and Africa possess complementary strengths, with Canada offering capital, innovation and technical expertise, while Lagos provides access to talent, large markets and an increasingly sophisticated business environment.
Canada’s Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Carlos Rojas-Arbulú, described bilateral relations as entering a more ambitious phase, building on longstanding cooperation in trade, education, diplomacy and cultural exchanges.
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Paula Caldwell St-Onge, Chair of the Board of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, highlighted Nigeria’s growing importance in Africa’s economic landscape and praised Zenith Bank’s contribution to promoting investment and commercial engagement between Canadian and African businesses.
The conference also featured discussions on investment opportunities in priority sectors and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, with participants examining ways to strengthen cross-border trade, attract investment and accelerate sustainable economic development across the continent.
