Conference to Bring Together Canadian and African Business Leaders for Trade and Investment Opportunities
TORONTO — The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business is making final preparations for its flagship 6th Canada-Africa Business Conference, set to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, on June 24-25, with Zenith Bank Plc serving as headline sponsor.
The two-day event is expected to bring together senior business executives, investors, policymakers and institutional partners from Canada, Nigeria and other African markets, as organizers seek to strengthen commercial ties and encourage new trade and investment opportunities between the regions.
Held in Lagos, one of Africa’s largest commercial hubs, the conference aims to provide a platform for networking, sector-focused discussions and business engagement designed to support long-term partnerships and economic growth. Organizers say the event will place Nigeria’s private-sector leadership at the centre of Canada-Africa business relations while showcasing opportunities across industries including financial services, infrastructure, energy, mining, agriculture and clean technology.
The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business said the conference comes at a time when both Canadian and African businesses are seeking new markets, investment opportunities and strategic partnerships amid evolving global economic conditions.
A key component of this year’s event is the involvement of Zenith Bank Plc, one of Africa’s leading financial institutions. The bank’s headline sponsorship underscores the importance of financial services in facilitating cross-border commerce, investment and project development.
“Zenith Bank Plc is honoured to serve as headline sponsor to this distinguished gathering in Lagos, our home city and one of Africa’s most important commercial centres. The Conference reflects the growing importance of financial linkages between Africa and Canada, and we look forward to working with partners to advance trade, investment and shared prosperity.”
— Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Zenith Bank Plc
Industry observers have increasingly highlighted the role of financial institutions in supporting trade corridors between Africa and international markets. Through trade finance solutions, treasury services, investment banking expertise and digital banking platforms, institutions such as Zenith Bank are viewed as important enablers of commercial activity and investment flows.
The conference also reflects broader efforts by the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business to deepen economic engagement between Canadian and African stakeholders. Established more than three decades ago, the Chamber has focused on fostering trade and investment through conferences, business missions and year-round engagement initiatives.
“Building on over three decades of convening excellence, the Chamber is pleased to bring Canadian and African decision-makers together in Lagos at a time of exceptional opportunity. Thanks to Zenith Bank’s leadership, this conference is positioned to convert goodwill into relationships, and relationships into practical commercial outcomes.”
— Garreth Bloor, President, The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business
Program Focuses on Business Development and Strategic Partnerships
The conference agenda includes keynote presentations, executive panel discussions, business-to-business meetings and networking sessions aimed at generating practical outcomes for participating organizations.
Organizers say discussions will focus on helping Canadian and African companies identify growth opportunities, gain market access and establish sustainable partnerships. The program is designed to move beyond dialogue and encourage tangible commercial engagement among participants.
In addition to formal conference sessions, delegates will have opportunities to participate in executive networking activities and targeted business meetings. The second day of the event will emphasize relationship-building among sponsors and Chamber members, including a site visit to GardaWorld Security facilities intended to showcase private-sector investment activity. The conference will conclude with a VIP reception.
Broad Support from Corporate and Government Partners
Alongside Zenith Bank’s headline sponsorship, the conference has attracted support from a range of corporate and institutional partners.
Elephant Trade-Services DRC is participating as Headline Chamber Sponsor, while GardaWorld Security serves as Gold Conference Sponsor. Silver Conference Sponsors include Banwo & Ighodalo, Baywood Group, CBI News, Dentons, Eko Hotels & Suites and Voranex Africa.
The Government of Canada has been recognized as a Chamber Partner, while Abide Consulting is supporting the event as Conference Partner.
As Canada continues to explore opportunities for deeper engagement across African markets, organizers say the Lagos conference will serve as a key venue for connecting decision-makers and advancing business relationships that can contribute to long-term economic cooperation between the two regions.