MoU Sets Stage for Collaboration, Event Reciprocity, and Joint Initiatives to Boost Canada-Africa Trade and Investment
Canada-Africa Chamber of Business and Africa Prosperity Network Forge Strategic Partnership at Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, May 12, 2025 — The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business (www.CanadaAfrica.ca) and the Africa Prosperity Network (APN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the eve of the Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, laying the groundwork for enhanced economic cooperation between Canada and Africa.
The agreement was formalized during a high-level reception at the Canadian Embassy, hosted by H.E. Anderson Blanc, Canada’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire. Paula Caldwell St-Onge, Chair of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, and Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, Chair of APN, signed the MoU, marking a milestone in fostering trade and investment ties.
“This MoU establishes a practical framework for collaboration, including reciprocal participation in our organizations’ programs and new joint initiatives to accelerate Canada-Africa economic engagement,” said St-Onge, a retired ambassador and former Director General for Pan African Affairs in Canada. She acknowledged former Board Chair Sebastian Spio-Garbrah for his pivotal role in advancing the partnership.
Otchere-Darko emphasized APN’s commitment: “This partnership aligns with our mission to drive bankable projects across Africa. It opens new avenues for impactful economic collaboration with Canada.”
Ambassador Blanc underscored the broader significance: “This MoU is a bridge connecting ideas, people, and ambitions. Canada is dedicated to fostering innovative partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to both African and Canadian communities.”
The signing coincided with the Canada-Africa Chamber’s role as an official partner of the Africa CEO Forum, supported by private sector contributions.
