Zenith Bank Plc showed its support for trade, investment, and economic ties between Canada and Africa as the main sponsor of the 6th Canada-Africa Business Conference. The event took place on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business organized the conference. It brought together a strong group of Canadian business leaders from 31 companies, along with government officials, investors, diplomats, and development partners.
The meeting aimed to strengthen business relations between Canada and Africa. It also sought to position Nigeria as a key entry point for Canadian businesses looking for opportunities across Africa.
Canadian companies and institutions from various sectors attended, including financial services, security, mining, legal services, technology, healthcare, education, and clean energy. Notable names included GardaWorld, Dentons, Baywood Group, Element, and Trilliant, all exploring business opportunities and partnerships in Nigeria.
Mr Akin Ogunranti, the Executive Director of Zenith Bank Plc, spoke on behalf of the Group Managing Director/CEO, Dr Adaora Umeoji. He called the conference a great chance to strengthen partnerships between Canada and Africa amid changing global economic conditions.
He pointed out that Africa is ready to lead the next stage of global economic growth. He emphasized that the continent now has the necessary institutions, policies, and partnerships to turn its vast potential into shared prosperity.
“The question is not whether Africa is rich in potential. It is whether we can turn that potential into prosperity our people can feel. For the first time, the answer is yes, because of the machinery we are now building,” he said.
Mr Babatunde Onigbanjo represented the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu. He confirmed the State Government’s dedication to creating a friendly environment for investment and international partnerships. He also highlighted Lagos as Nigeria’s business center and gateway to African markets.
“Canada brings to the table considerable expertise, capital, innovation, and a strong tradition of institution building. Africa, and indeed Lagos, offer scale. We offer talent, creativity, market opportunities, and an increasingly sophisticated business environment. Together, these strengths create a solid foundation for transformative partnership,” he said.
Mr Carlos Rojas-Arbulú, the Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, spoke at the event. He mentioned that the conference shows the growing cooperation between both countries. He said: “The relationship between Canada and Nigeria is not new. It is rooted in diplomacy, trade, education, culture, migration, and shared democratic values. But today, I believe we are entering a new chapter: one that is more ambitious, more practical, and more human.”
Paula Caldwell St-Onge, Chair of the Board of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, talked about Nigeria’s rising economic importance. She said: “Nigeria’s growth is not theoretical. It is already being built by Nigerian entrepreneurs, investors, financial institutions, innovators, and companies whose ambition reaches across Africa and around the world.”
She also praised Zenith Bank for its role in supporting the conference’s goals, stating: “Zenith Bank is not only one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, it is the capital behind what you see here today, and it represents the skill, ambition, discipline, innovation, and excellence that this conference seeks to showcase.”
The conference included discussions on Canada-Africa business relations, investment opportunities, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
These sessions gathered policymakers, business leaders, and industry experts to find ways to strengthen business partnerships and promote sustainable economic growth. The event aims to boost Nigeria’s appeal as a destination for Canadian investment. It also opens new doors for technology transfer, private sector collaboration, job creation, and long-term economic development. This reinforces Nigeria’s role as a key hub for businesses looking to tap into opportunities across Africa under the AfCFTA.
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