As efforts to deepen trade and investment relations between Africa and Canada gather momentum, Zenith Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting cross-border commerce and economic cooperation 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 and Suites, Victoria Island, brought together a high-level Canadian delegation representing 31 companies, alongside government officials, business leaders, investors, diplomats and development partners seeking to strengthen commercial partnerships between Canada and African economies.
The event highlighted Nigeria’s growing importance as a gateway to African markets, particularly under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to create a single continental market for goods and services.
Speaking at the conference, Executive Director of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Akin Ogunranti, who represented the bank’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Adaora Umeoji, described the gathering as a strategic platform for unlocking new opportunities for trade, investment and economic growth.
He noted that Africa is increasingly positioned to become a major driver of global economic expansion, stressing that the continent now possesses stronger institutions, evolving policy frameworks and strategic partnerships capable of transforming its vast potential into tangible prosperity.
“The question is not whether Africa is rich in potential. It is whether we can turn that potential into prosperity our people can feel. For the first time, the answer is yes, because of the machinery we are now building,” Ogunranti said.
The Canadian delegation featured representatives from leading organisations operating in sectors such as financial services, security, infrastructure, technology, healthcare, mining, education and clean energy. Companies represented included GardaWorld, Dentons, Baywood Group, Element and Trilliant.
Representing Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mr. Babatunde Onigbanjo, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investors and international partnerships.
He described Lagos as Nigeria’s commercial capital and a strategic entry point into African markets, noting that the combination of Canadian expertise and African market opportunities presents enormous potential for economic transformation.
“Canada brings considerable expertise, capital, innovation and a strong tradition of institution building. Africa, and indeed Lagos, offer scale, talent, creativity and increasing market opportunities. Together, these strengths create a compelling foundation for transformative partnership,” he said.
Also speaking, Canada’s Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Carlos Rojas-Arbulú, said the conference reflected growing momentum in bilateral economic relations between both countries.
According to him, while Canada and Nigeria have long maintained ties through diplomacy, trade, education and migration, there is now a renewed focus on practical and mutually beneficial economic engagement.
“The relationship between Canada and Nigeria is not new. It is rooted in diplomacy, trade, education, culture, migration and shared democratic values. But today, we are entering a new chapter that is more ambitious, practical and human,” he said.
Chair of the Board of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, Paula Caldwell St-Onge, highlighted Nigeria’s growing economic relevance and commended Zenith Bank for supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening international business collaboration.
She described the bank as one of Africa’s leading financial institutions and praised its contribution to advancing trade, investment and economic development across the continent.
The conference featured panel discussions focusing on Canada-Africa commercial relations, investment opportunities across priority sectors, and strategies for leveraging the AfCFTA to boost intra-African trade and attract foreign investment.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between Canadian and African businesses would drive technology transfer, job creation, infrastructure development and long-term economic growth.
The conference also reinforced Nigeria’s position as a strategic destination for foreign investment and a key hub for businesses seeking access to emerging opportunities across Africa’s rapidly expanding markets.
