Zenith Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade, investment and economic cooperation between Canada and Africa by serving as the headline sponsor of the 6th Canada-Africa Business Conference held in Lagos.
The conference, organised by the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, brought together a high-level Canadian delegation representing 31 companies, alongside government officials, investors, business leaders, policymakers, diplomats and development partners.
The event focused on expanding commercial ties between Canada and Africa while positioning Nigeria as a strategic gateway for Canadian businesses seeking opportunities across the continent.
The Canadian delegation comprised firms operating in financial services, security, mining and critical minerals, legal and professional services, infrastructure, technology, healthcare, education and clean energy. Companies including GardaWorld, Dentons, Baywood Group, Element and Trilliant participated in discussions aimed at exploring investment and partnership opportunities in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of Zenith Bank’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, the bank’s Executive Director, Mr. Akin Ogunranti, described the conference as a timely platform for strengthening commercial partnerships between Canada and Africa amid evolving global economic realities.
He said Africa now possesses the institutions, policy frameworks and partnerships required to transform its vast economic potential into tangible prosperity, adding that the continent is well positioned to drive the next phase of global economic growth.
Representing Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mr. Babatunde Onigbanjo, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for investment and international partnerships.
According to him, Canada offers expertise, capital, innovation and strong institutional experience, while Lagos and Africa provide market scale, talent, creativity and growing business opportunities, creating a solid foundation for mutually beneficial partnerships.
The Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Mr. Carlos Rojas-Arbulú, said the conference reflected the growing momentum in commercial relations between both countries, noting that the long-standing Canada-Nigeria relationship is entering a more ambitious and practical phase.
Chair of the Board of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, Paula Caldwell St-Onge, highlighted Nigeria’s increasing economic importance, stating that the country’s growth is being driven by entrepreneurs, financial institutions and innovative businesses with continental and global ambitions.
She also commended Zenith Bank for its support of the conference, describing the financial institution as one of Africa’s leading banks and a symbol of excellence, innovation and ambition.
The conference featured panel discussions on Canada-Africa commercial relations, investment opportunities in priority sectors and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Policymakers, business executives and industry experts examined practical strategies for strengthening commercial partnerships and promoting sustainable economic development.
Participants expressed optimism that the conference would enhance Nigeria’s attractiveness to Canadian investors, encourage technology transfer, stimulate private sector collaboration and create jobs. They also noted that the gathering reinforced Nigeria’s strategic position as a gateway for businesses seeking to leverage opportunities under the AfCFTA and expand regional and global trade.
Delegates and Stakeholders at the 6th Canada-Africa Business Conference held at the Grand Ball Room, Eko Hotel & Suites, VI, Lagos.
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