The Canada–Africa Chamber of Business will host the 6th Canada–Africa Business Conference in Lagos, Nigeria, from June 24–25, 2026.
Zenith Bank Plc will serve as the headline sponsor for the event. In addition, several Canadian private-sector companies, including GardaWorld Security, will support the conference as they expand operations across African markets.
The conference will bring together investors, executives and policymakers from Canada and Africa. Organizers aim to accelerate trade, investment and large-scale project development across the continent.
Lagos Positioned as Strategic Gateway for Canada–Africa Trade
The 2026 edition arrives at a key moment for Canada–Africa economic relations.
As cooperation between both regions grows, Nigeria continues to strengthen its position as one of Africa’s largest and most dynamic economies. Consequently, Lagos offers Canadian companies a strategic entry point into African markets.
At the same time, African businesses seek greater access to Canadian capital, technical expertise and global markets.
“Building on over three decades of convening excellence, the Chamber continues to serve as a privately funded, business-to-business platform advancing commercial partnerships aligned with Canada’s trade diversification strategy and Africa’s economic growth trajectory,” said Garreth Bloor, President of the Canada–Africa Chamber of Business.
Zenith Bank Highlights Growing Financial Linkages
Zenith Bank emphasized the importance of stronger financial cooperation between Canada and Africa.
“As a leading financial institution in Africa, Zenith Bank is proud to serve as Headline Sponsor of the 6th Canada–Africa Business Conference in Lagos,” said Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, Group Managing Director and CEO of Zenith Bank Plc.
She added that Nigeria continues to serve as a gateway for capital deployment across Africa. Furthermore, she highlighted the important role of the Nigerian diaspora in driving trade and investment between both regions.
Canada Seeks Stronger Commercial Partnerships in Africa
The High Commission of Canada in Nigeria also stressed Canada’s growing commercial interest across Africa.
According to the High Commission, Canada brings capital, credibility and expertise in sectors critical to African development. These sectors include mining, infrastructure, financial services and clean technologies.
Therefore, the conference aims to create practical partnerships that support long-term economic growth and investment opportunities.
Conference Program and Participation Details
The Canada–Africa Chamber of Business has hosted major conferences across Africa since its establishment in 1994.
The Lagos conference will follow the Chamber’s established two-day format:
Day 1
- Full-day conference sessions
- Industry discussions
- Investment and trade networking
Day 2
- Executive-level meetings
- Sponsor engagements
- Strategic business discussions
Organizers encourage companies interested in attending or sponsoring to register early because of limited capacity and strong demand.
Industrial Context: Canada Expands Economic Engagement Across Africa
The conference reflects broader efforts by Canada to strengthen economic engagement with African markets.
Canadian firms increasingly target sectors such as mining, energy, infrastructure, financial services and clean technology across the continent.
Meanwhile, African economies continue seeking foreign investment, industrial partnerships and access to international capital markets. As a result, business forums such as the Canada–Africa Business Conference play a growing role in facilitating cross-border commercial collaboration.
