President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has called for stronger economic partnerships between Africa and Canada, urging both regions to expand trade, investment, industrial cooperation, and knowledge exchange to unlock shared economic opportunities. Speaking at a business forum, Dangote emphasised that closer collaboration between African nations and Canada could accelerate industrialisation, create jobs, improve infrastructure, and strengthen sustainable economic growth across the continent. He noted that Africa possesses vast natural resources, a rapidly growing population, and expanding consumer markets, making it an attractive destination for long-term investment in manufacturing, agriculture, mining, energy, technology, and infrastructure. According to him, deeper commercial ties would encourage innovation, facilitate technology transfer, improve access to finance, and promote value-added production capable of boosting exports and reducing dependence on raw material exports. Dangote also stressed the importance of creating business-friendly policies, improving regulatory certainty, and strengthening public-private partnerships to attract greater international investment. Economic analysts observed that stronger Africa-Canada relations could benefit both regions by increasing bilateral trade, supporting industrial development, expanding market access, and fostering collaboration in education, research, renewable energy, and digital innovation. They added that enhanced economic cooperation would also encourage the development of regional value chains and improve the competitiveness of African industries in global markets. Business leaders at the forum called for simplified trade procedures, improved logistics, modern transport infrastructure, and increased investment in human capital to maximise the benefits of future partnerships. They further highlighted the need for financial institutions and development agencies to provide greater support for small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to participate in cross-border trade. Experts believe that sustained collaboration between Africa and Canada can contribute significantly to economic diversification, technological advancement, employment generation, and sustainable development. Dangote’s remarks reinforce growing calls for stronger international partnerships that support inclusive growth while positioning Africa as a key destination for investment, innovation, and long-term economic transformation.
