A proposed Canada-Africa Economic Cooperation Strategy: background for consultations
The Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development was mandated by the Prime Minister to develop a strategy for economic cooperation across Africa. The Strategy will include support for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), facilitating investments in infrastructure, and expanded partnerships in research and innovation. The proposed Canada-Africa Economic Cooperation Strategy (CA-ECS) would seek to facilitate increased and diversified trade and investment with African partners in line with Canada’s export diversification strategy, advance an inclusive and sustainable approach to trade, strengthen the rules-based international trading system, and contribute meaningfully to Canada and Africa’s overall economic, social and environmental priorities.
Broad and inclusive engagement
We are launching consultations to seek the views of the Canadian public and interested stakeholders on a proposed economic cooperation strategy with Africa.
We are particularly interested in hearing from Canadians on the following aspects of economic cooperation:
- advancing economic diplomacy with Africa and demonstrating commitment to deepening economic cooperation;
- increasing trade and investment promotion efforts with the intent of increasing Canadian exporter and partnership success in African markets and investment attraction; and
- Supporting the enabling environments for trade, investment, and innovation that fosters rules-based trade and investment, regional and continental integration and sustainable development in Africa, as well as furthers African countries’ economic development goals and their integration into the global economy.
Related discussion questions to be considered in the consultation:
- What are the particular actions that would help enhance Canada’s commercial relations with African countries?
- What has been your experience with African markets? If applicable, what challenges have you encountered, and what mitigation strategies have you applied?
- Which existing federal and provincial programs and tools have you found most effectively support business success in African markets? Are there gaps in support or information, including between perceived and real risk?
- Which African markets should be prioritized in the strategy? Which sectors have the greatest potential for Canadian businesses?
- How can we best ensure that Canadian business activity fosters responsible business conduct in Africa?
- Where are the opportunities for Canada-Africa research and innovation partnerships? How can these partnerships be better supported?
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