QUESTION PERIOD — Global Affairs
Canada's Africa Strategy
April 23, 2026
Senator Moreau, last week I met with CODE, a Canadian organization that works with partners across sub-Saharan Africa to promote literacy and advance girls’ education. According to UNESCO, in sub-Saharan Africa, 16.7 million girls are out of school, and approximately 9.3 million of them will never enter a classroom. Half of adult women in sub‑Saharan Africa cannot read or write.
CODE asked where the government stands when it comes to Africa and investments in literacy and girls’ education. They wanted to know when the government will respond to the Senate report entitled Canada-Africa: Seizing a Strategic Opportunity, in which a key recommendation called on the government to prioritize education at all levels in Africa and to enhance knowledge about Africa in Canadian institutions.
When will the government respond to this Senate report? Will the government prioritize educational investments in Africa, especially for girls?
Thank you for the question, Senator Coyle. I can confirm that the government is aware of the report conducted and published by the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and the report specifically asked for a government response.
The study was conducted with depth and nuance, and the government wants to ensure it considers and responds to the recommendations with comparative weight.
With such work to be done, I cannot provide a more precise timeline, other than that, under the Senate Rules, a government response must be submitted within 150 days after report adoption. It has only been 72 days since February 10, but it’s the intention of the government to respond to the report within the time provided by our Rules.
Thank you. We look forward to that response.
CODE also highlighted the need for Canada to continue to invest in literacy in Africa in order to support broader economic climate and security objectives. Senator Moreau, does literacy fit into Canada’s Africa Strategy? What are the key priorities of the government in implementing that strategy?
Thank you for that question. This recommendation from CODE definitely fits under Canada’s Africa Strategy. More precisely, it would fall under its third strategic area, namely, supporting economic development, youth empowerment and climate adaptation.
Over the last five years, Canada has invested approximately $4.5 billion in bilateral international assistance, and as recently as April 15, Canada announced that $18 million would be provided to deliver safe, quality education —
Thank you, Senator Moreau.
