The committee studied Canada's engagement in Africa and the implementation of Canada's Africa strategy. Appearing were Cheryl Urban, Andrew Smith, Sara Nicholls and Susan Steffen from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development.
Cheryl Urban said the Africa strategy, launched in March 2025, aims to pivot toward mutually beneficial economic partnerships, peace and security co-operation, diaspora engagement, and international assistance that supports poverty reduction and economic development. She noted the government has appointed two special envoys, opened new diplomatic missions in Zambia and Benin, and launched an Africa trade hub and a new Africa trade and development program. She stated the strategy can be implemented with existing resources even amid government-wide spending reductions, and that the department is prioritizing markets and streamlining processes.
Andrew Smith said the memorandum of understanding with the African Union Commission is being advanced as new commissioners are appointed, with a third high-level dialogue scheduled for fall 2026. He noted the African Continental Free Trade Area remains a key deliverable. He said the trade hub is prioritizing markets and supporting Canadian enterprises, and that the diaspora relationship is central to implementation. He added that Canada's brand in Africa is tied to meeting ESG standards in mineral extraction.
Sara Nicholls gave examples of Canadian leadership in Ethiopia, where Canada created a multi-stakeholder disarmament, demobilization and reintegration fund that has demobilized 80,000 people. She also described work in Mozambique, where the women's voice and leadership program built capacity for local women's organizations, enabling their leader to participate in the national peace process. She said Canada's top maternal, newborn and child health partner countries are Tanzania, Mozambique, Ghana and Ethiopia.
Susan Steffen said Canada works closely with Quebec's overseas offices and relies on Quebec-based organizations for effective projects in West Africa. She noted that Algeria is Canada's largest export market on the continent, primarily for cereals, and that in Nigeria the focus is on security and helping Canadian companies navigate a complex business environment. She said Canada stays engaged in difficult regions like Mali and Burkina Faso to maintain communication and find opportunities, and that the department manages risk in development programming through regular audits and monitoring.
On questions about foreign interference, Urban said Canada monitors adversarial activity through its embassies and uses checks and balances, including fiduciary evaluations of partners, before funding projects. Steffen added that the department revises its risk management processes regularly and requires financial reporting from partners. On the impact of job cuts at Global Affairs, Urban said reductions are being managed by aligning remaining resources with priorities. On energy exports, Smith said Canada can help through energy technology, while Urban noted that Africa will be part of the government's trade diversification strategy. On maternal health, Urban said the strategy does not abandon past investments and that the department can provide detailed information on past spending. On the pivot from aid to economic partnership, Urban said African partners wanted greater economic co-operation and that the strategy responds to that demand.
The committee did not debate any motions or procedural matters during this meeting.
AI-generated summary — may contain errors; verify against the official evidence.