For decades Canada has maintained a deep economic and political dependence on the United States this relationship shaped by geography history and trade agreements has brought prosperity but it has also created a vulnerability that can no longer be ignored
As over 75 percent of our exports still go to the US we are reminded time and again that any disruption in American policy or priorities can impact Canadians from coast to coast the pandemic supply chain issues vaccine access and Buy American policies are just recent examples of how quickly our reliance can become a risk
This is why we must urgently diversify and build new strategic partnerships and among the most promising yet underutilized is our connection with Africa
Africa is home to some of the fastest growing economies in the world with a young and dynamic population rich natural resources and a growing demand for technology infrastructure education and health solutions it is a continent that offers real potential for mutual growth
Canada has historic and cultural ties with many African nations and a shared connection through la Francophonie we also have a diaspora that serves as a bridge between our societies yet our trade with Africa remains minimal our diplomatic presence limited and our engagement inconsistent
This is a missed opportunity Canada must look to Africa not through the lens of aid or charity but through the lens of partnership and shared prosperity
We can export clean technology support agriculture innovation invest in education and vocational training and collaborate on climate action projects that benefit both continents we can build people to people links through youth exchanges academic programs and entrepreneurship networks
Canada’s private sector can also gain by entering African markets that are opening through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area which is creating a single market of over 1.4 billion people
By strengthening our economic and diplomatic ties with Africa we are not only helping African nations grow we are helping Canada reduce its vulnerability and expand its global influence we are ensuring that we are not overly tied to one partner but actively shaping a more resilient inclusive and diversified future
This is not about abandoning our relationship with the United States it is about balancing it and building a Canada that is ready to lead in a multipolar work
Let us embrace Africa as a strategic partner let us reconnect with its people and potential and let us do so not tomorrow but today
