…as stakeholders seek deeper ties across sectors

NIGERIA and Canada’s bilateral merchandise trade has hit $3 billion in 2025, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as Canada’s second-largest merchandise trading partner in Africa.

 

This was disclosed as the sixth Canada-Africa Business Conference opened in Lagos yesterday. The two-day conference, organised by the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business in partnership with Zenith Bank Plc, brought together senior business leaders, investors, policymakers and institutional stakeholders from Canada, Nigeria and across Africa to advance trade, investment and commercial partnerships across key sectors.

 

The conference focused on unlocking opportunities in financial services, infrastructure, energy, mining, agriculture, clean technologies and the broader innovation economy, with participants exploring pathways to deepen economic cooperation between Canada and African markets.

 

In a message to delegates, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, commended the Chamber for convening leaders from both regions to strengthen economic ties.

 

Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, highlighted the growing importance of Nigeria-Canada economic relations and the potential for further expansion. He noted that there is enormous potential to grow the bilateral relationship even further, including in areas of financial services, infrastructure, energy, critical minerals, agriculture and clean technology.

 

He added that Canada remains committed to attracting investments, strengthening supply chains and creating employment opportunities through stronger partnerships with Nigeria.

 

Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Adaora Umeoji, described the conference as a strategic platform for strengthening commercial relations between both nations. Umeoji noted that the growing trade relationship between Nigeria and Canada presents significant opportunities across multiple sectors.

 

According to her, the bank’s participation reflects the critical role of financial institutions in facilitating cross-border trade, investment and economic growth.

 

President, Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, Garreth Bloor, said Lagos was a fitting venue for the next phase of Canada-Africa economic engagement. “Lagos is an ideal setting for this next chapter of Canada-Africa engagement. With Zenith Bank as headline sponsor, the Chamber is proud to convene a programme that showcases Nigerian excellence, Canadian ambition and the commercial partnerships that can serve global markets,” Bloor said.

 

The conference programme featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, executive networking sessions and business-to-business engagements aimed at generating practical outcomes for companies seeking investment opportunities, market access and long-term partnerships across Africa and Canada.