After years of anticipation, Minister Melanie Joly finally unveiled her long-awaited Canada-Africa Strategy: A Partnership for Shared Prosperity and Security. This landmark document sets out a vision for strengthening Canadian economic, diplomatic, and security ties with Africa. Framed around five pillars, the strategy aims to:
- Deepen diplomatic engagement
- Expand economic cooperation
- Tackle poverty and drive sustainable development
- Strengthen peace and security partnerships
- Advance shared global priorities
It’s a step forward, but does it go far enough? Let’s dive in!
A Strategy Long Overdue
For decades, Canada’s approach to Africa was fragmented, reactive, and overly reliant on foreign aid rather than a true economic and political partnership. Meanwhile, global players like China, the European Union, and the United States solidified their presence through increased strategic investments, infrastructure development, and trade agreements.
As Africa’s economies surge and its geopolitical influence grows, Minister Joly is finally getting around to acknowledging that the continent is more than an aid recipient. Africa is a vital partner in trade. Africa is investment. Africa is critical to global security. Africa is opportunity!
But is Canada’s new strategy marking the beginning of a bold new era, or did the Minister of Foreign Affairs simply repackage past commitments?
What Joly Got Right
Recognizing Africa’s Global Influence
In some ways, this strategy tries to shift the narrative, recognizing Africa as a key player in global governance. Canada acknowledges Africa’s entry into the G20, which is a welcome move. Canadians should see Africa as a partner for collaboration, not solely through the lens of foreign aid.
Strengthening Economic Cooperation
Canada’s commitment to supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and launching an Africa Trade Hub finally signals that we are taking African markets seriously. If this is properly implemented, this could unlock new opportunities for both Canadian and African prosperity.
Elevating Peace and Security Engagement
With ongoing security challenges across the Sahel and West Africa, Canada’s emphasis on African-led peacekeeping and counterterrorism support is timely. By reinforcing partnerships in these regions, Canada can play a meaningful role in fostering stability.
Engaging the African Diaspora
Canada’s African diaspora is a bridge between both regions, and the strategy’s commitment to engaging this community is a step in the right direction. However, the plan remains vague on how exactly this engagement will be structured and supported.
The Glaring Gaps and Missed Opportunities
Where’s the Money?
The strategy touts Canada’s $4.5 billion investment in African development over the past five years, but what about the next five? Unlike China’s $60 billion commitment in 2018 or the EU’s €150 billion Global Gateway investment, Canada’s plan lacks concrete financial commitments. Without new and substantial funding, this strategy risks being more rhetoric than reality.
Unclear Private Sector Strategy
While the document emphasizes economic cooperation, it falls short of outlining real incentives for Canadian businesses to invest in Africa. It doesn’t explain how Canada will de-risk private sector investment, andwhat mechanisms will support Canadian companies looking to expand into African markets.
Diplomatic Presence Without Political Strategy
Canada is opening new embassies and appointing special envoys—but what is the broader diplomatic game plan? The strategy fails to address:
- How Canada will navigate Africa’s complex political landscape.
- Its stance on democratic backsliding, coups, and governance challenges.
- Concrete plans for engaging regional powerhouses like the African Union and ECOWAS beyond symbolic gestures.
Diplomatic presence alone is not enough. Without a clear political engagement strategy, Canada risks remaining a passive observer rather than an active partner.
Lack of Climate and Health Leadership
Canada has historically led global health initiatives like Gavi and HIV/AIDS programs. Yet, this strategy is surprisingly thin on health commitments. Similarly, while climate change is acknowledged, there are no bold initiatives to position Canada as a leader in Africa’s green energy transition.
A Strategy Without Accountability?
Perhaps the most concerning omission is a clear framework for accountability.
- How will success be measured?
- What are the key performance indicators for trade, security, and development?
- How frequently will progress be reported?
Without built-in accountability mechanisms, this strategy risks becoming another forgotten policy document.
This is not a game changer, yet.
Canada’s Africa Strategy is an important first step, but it falls short of being truly transformational. Compared to other global players, Canada remains a reserved and under-invested partner.
For this strategy to drive real impact, Canada must:
- Back commitments with real financial investments, particularly in trade, infrastructure, and private sector growth.
- Develop a clear roadmap for engaging African political institutions.
- Establish a robust monitoring system to track progress.
- Take a leadership role in Africa’s climate and health sectors.
Without these elements, the strategy becomes more symbolic than substantive. The world is watching—will Canada rise to the occasion?
A Call to Action
To Mark Carney and Canada’s Leaders:
Canadian prosperity depends on global trade and diverse economic relations. As one of our closest allies retreats from international engagement, it’s time for Canada to step up. Africa is ready for business. Canada must answer the call. With trade, not just aid, we can create shared prosperity. Africa is opportunity. Africa is now.
To ONE Supporters:
Our voices have power. We know Africa is more than just a place in need—it is a continent full of potential and partnership opportunities. Let’s push Canada to do more. Join us in advocating for real action. Together, we can build a future of economic opportunity and healthier lives across Africa!
Want to dive deeper? Keep reading for an in-depth analysis of global players like China, Russia, Turkey, the EU, and the U.S. in Africa, and why Canada must step up its investment now.
Analyzing Global Engagements in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities
Russia’s Engagement in Africa
Russia’s involvement in Africa has been characterized by a focus on arms sales, security services, and the extraction of mineral and energy resources. The Wagner Group, a Russian private military company, has established a presence in countries like the Central African Republic (CAR), offering security assistance often in exchange for mining rights. This arrangement has raised concerns about the exploitation of Africa’s natural resources and the potential for increased instability. For instance, in the CAR, Russian entities have been granted mining permits in areas rich in gold deposits, leading to questions about transparency and local benefits. Moreover, Russia’s support for authoritarian regimes has been criticized for undermining democratic processes and contributing to human rights abuses.
China’s Engagement in Africa
China’s expansive involvement in Africa, particularly through its Belt and Road Initiative, has led to significant infrastructure development across the continent. However, this engagement has also resulted in concerns about debt sustainability and the exploitation of Africa’s critical minerals. Chinese companies have been accused of labor and environmental violations in the mining sector, leading to social and ecological harm. For example, China’s dominance in Africa’s renewable energy minerals has raised alarms about monopolistic practices and the potential for resource exploitation without adequate benefits to local communities. Additionally, the influx of Chinese workers and materials has sometimes limited job opportunities for Africans, sparking tensions and allegations of neocolonialism.
Turkey’s Engagement in Africa
Turkey’s growing engagement in Africa encompasses economic, political, cultural, and security dimensions. While Turkish initiatives, such as educational programs and infrastructure projects, are often presented as mutually beneficial, some critics argue that they primarily serve Turkey’s strategic interests. For instance, Turkey’s involvement in Somalia includes military training and significant investments, raising questions about the long-term implications for Somalia’s sovereignty and local economies. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the limited integration of African graduates from Turkish universities into their home countries’ development plans, potentially undermining the capacity-building objectives of such educational initiatives.
The United States’ Engagement in Africa
The United States has a long history of providing foreign aid to Africa, focusing on health initiatives, democratic governance, and economic development. Programs like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) have had substantial positive impacts on health outcomes across the continent. However, the U.S. faces challenges due to its historical ties to colonial powers and past interventions during the Cold War, which have sometimes led to skepticism about its intentions. Moreover, recent shifts in U.S. foreign policy, including significant cuts to aid budgets under certain administrations, have raised concerns about the sustainability of its commitments to Africa. Despite these challenges, the U.S. continues to engage with African nations, emphasizing partnerships that promote mutual interests and respect for sovereignty.
The European Union’s Engagement in Africa
The European Union (EU) has been a major provider of development assistance to Africa, with policies evolving from colonial-era ties to more contemporary partnerships aimed at promoting sustainable development and governance reforms. However, the EU’s historical connections to colonialism present challenges in its relationships with African countries, as past exploitation and paternalistic attitudes have left lingering distrust. Efforts to address these issues include initiatives focused on equitable trade, infrastructure development, and support for regional integration through mechanisms like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Nonetheless, the effectiveness of EU aid is sometimes questioned, with critiques pointing to instances where aid allocation appears driven by the EU’s strategic interests rather than the genuine needs of African populations.
Why Canada Should Increase Its Investment in Africa
Canada has an opportunity to redefine its engagement with Africa by focusing on equitable trade partnerships and sustainable development. Unlike countries whose involvement has been marred by exploitation or neocolonial tendencies, Canada can position itself as a genuine partner committed to mutual prosperity. By investing in sectors such as renewable energy, technology, and education, Canada can support Africa’s development while opening new markets for Canadian businesses. This approach contrasts with the practices of some nations that have prioritized resource extraction over community development. Moreover, Canada’s emphasis on human rights and good governance aligns with the aspirations of many African nations seeking to strengthen their democratic institutions. By increasing its investment and fostering genuine partnerships, Canada can contribute to a more balanced and just global economic system, benefiting both African countries and Canadians.
Minerva Saddler Gray is the Partnerships and Engagement Manager at ONE in Canada.
