Canada must rebuild its ties to Africa: Senator Gerba
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In the recent past, Canada has contributed to the progress of the African continent to the benefit of African countries as well as Canada — particularly economically. Some of our great companies were born out of these public and private investments. As we mark Africa Day on May 25, one thing is clear: the time has come to rebuild Canada’s connection to Africa.
Created in 1963, this day aims to celebrate African unity and everything that makes it concrete, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It also celebrates the economic, social, technological and cultural advances made by Africans, their civil societies and their governments. It also aims to highlight the presence of Africans across the world, diasporas whose influence is highly appreciated for their contributions to Canadian society and their society of origin.
With its partners on the continent, our country must identify areas where Canadian and African interests converge and then invest in rebuilding Canada’s link to the continent. This policy would help strengthen our economy. It would enrich the opportunities of our companies, including those with a mandate to invest internationally, such as the Caisse de dépôt et de placement du Québec and the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan. Finally, it would contribute to the development of our research and knowledge institutions and enrich the work of our non-governmental organizations on the continent.
Africa is a continent under construction, a vast community of nations in the throes of change. Certainly, the continent has its share of difficulties like Europe, Asia and the Americas. However, it is full of opportunities where Canada’s know-how will find real outlets. I am thinking, in particular, of agriculture, energy, transport, the digital, social and circular economy, renewable energies, urban planning and more.
On the commercial side, the implementation of the AfCFTA will produce a commercial market with an estimated combined gross domestic product of a US$3.4 trillion. Relieved of customs duties for 90% of its trade, this unified market will be one of the largest in the world, along with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership in Asia. This tremendous potential could count on a growing market, with the continent’s population expected to double by 2050, from 1.2 billion to 2.4 billion inhabitants. As a result, one in four humans will be African, and the African population will be the youngest on the planet.
In reconstructing its link with the African continent, Canada must bring its expertise and know-how to the teams working to implement the AfCFTA. It would not be the first country to have supported this great project. In doing so, Canada would end a practice of indifference that contrasts with other countries and instead join the many foreign nations that are making closer links with the continent, declaring themselves partners in striving for Africa’s essential success. Eventually, Ottawa could propose a draft free trade agreement with AfCFTA countries.
Finally, the strategic weight of Africa is an additional reason for Canada to reconnect with the continent. Indeed, with its 55 countries and the African Union seeking permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council, the continent counts in international forums. Canada’s failure to obtain a seat on the Security Council — as well as Russia’s escape from international sanctions as a result of the policy of neutrality of several African countries — demonstrates the impact that Africa can have in the concert of nations.
In the medium and long term, nothing in Africa’s affairs will escape the attention of the world, and nothing in the world’s affairs can be accomplished without the help of Africans. Canada is on the short list of countries that seem to ignore this obvious fact. We need to get out of this sterile positioning.
I hope that in the future, on another Africa Day, I will be able to convey a more positive message and discuss the dividends resulting from the reconstruction of Canada’s ties with Africa.
Senator Amina Gerba represents the Rigaud division of Quebec.
A similar version of this article appeared in the May 23, 2022 edition of The Hill Times.
In the recent past, Canada has contributed to the progress of the African continent to the benefit of African countries as well as Canada — particularly economically. Some of our great companies were born out of these public and private investments. As we mark Africa Day on May 25, one thing is clear: the time has come to rebuild Canada’s connection to Africa.
Created in 1963, this day aims to celebrate African unity and everything that makes it concrete, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It also celebrates the economic, social, technological and cultural advances made by Africans, their civil societies and their governments. It also aims to highlight the presence of Africans across the world, diasporas whose influence is highly appreciated for their contributions to Canadian society and their society of origin.
With its partners on the continent, our country must identify areas where Canadian and African interests converge and then invest in rebuilding Canada’s link to the continent. This policy would help strengthen our economy. It would enrich the opportunities of our companies, including those with a mandate to invest internationally, such as the Caisse de dépôt et de placement du Québec and the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan. Finally, it would contribute to the development of our research and knowledge institutions and enrich the work of our non-governmental organizations on the continent.
Africa is a continent under construction, a vast community of nations in the throes of change. Certainly, the continent has its share of difficulties like Europe, Asia and the Americas. However, it is full of opportunities where Canada’s know-how will find real outlets. I am thinking, in particular, of agriculture, energy, transport, the digital, social and circular economy, renewable energies, urban planning and more.
On the commercial side, the implementation of the AfCFTA will produce a commercial market with an estimated combined gross domestic product of a US$3.4 trillion. Relieved of customs duties for 90% of its trade, this unified market will be one of the largest in the world, along with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership in Asia. This tremendous potential could count on a growing market, with the continent’s population expected to double by 2050, from 1.2 billion to 2.4 billion inhabitants. As a result, one in four humans will be African, and the African population will be the youngest on the planet.
In reconstructing its link with the African continent, Canada must bring its expertise and know-how to the teams working to implement the AfCFTA. It would not be the first country to have supported this great project. In doing so, Canada would end a practice of indifference that contrasts with other countries and instead join the many foreign nations that are making closer links with the continent, declaring themselves partners in striving for Africa’s essential success. Eventually, Ottawa could propose a draft free trade agreement with AfCFTA countries.
Finally, the strategic weight of Africa is an additional reason for Canada to reconnect with the continent. Indeed, with its 55 countries and the African Union seeking permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council, the continent counts in international forums. Canada’s failure to obtain a seat on the Security Council — as well as Russia’s escape from international sanctions as a result of the policy of neutrality of several African countries — demonstrates the impact that Africa can have in the concert of nations.
In the medium and long term, nothing in Africa’s affairs will escape the attention of the world, and nothing in the world’s affairs can be accomplished without the help of Africans. Canada is on the short list of countries that seem to ignore this obvious fact. We need to get out of this sterile positioning.
I hope that in the future, on another Africa Day, I will be able to convey a more positive message and discuss the dividends resulting from the reconstruction of Canada’s ties with Africa.
Senator Amina Gerba represents the Rigaud division of Quebec.
A similar version of this article appeared in the May 23, 2022 edition of The Hill Times.