By Abubakar Yunusa
The Canada-Africa trade and investment global summit (CATIGS) 2026 is scheduled to hold from November 12 to November 14 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The summit is organised by Africa Trade Export and Supermarket Canada (ATESCA) in partnership with African Women in Processing (AWIP).
Organisers, in a statement, said the event is designed to connect Canadian investors, businesses, policymakers, and entrepreneurs directly with African markets.
The summit comes at a time when global trade tensions, supply chain disruptions and shifting geopolitical alliances are prompting Canadian businesses to explore new markets beyond their traditional trading partners.
“The summit will bring together investors, business leaders, policymakers, chambers of commerce, development agencies, exporters, manufacturers, diaspora entrepreneurs, and government representatives from both Canada and across Africa,” the statement reads.
“Participants will explore opportunities in agriculture, critical minerals, renewable energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, technology, logistics, education, and industrial development.”
According to the organisers, the summit aligns with the objectives of the Canada-Africa economic cooperation strategy, which aims to deepen trade, investment, innovation and economic partnerships between Canada and African countries.
The conveners said Africa presents significant long-term opportunities for investors, citing the continent’s growing population, expanding consumer market and abundant natural resources.
They also highlighted the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which covers more than 1.4 billion people and has a combined economic output estimated at over $3 trillion.
Amele Haile of AWIP said the summit will provide a platform for direct engagement between Canadian businesses and African markets.
“This is not about aid or narratives anymore. It is about access. Africa is where the next generation of growth is being built, and Canada cannot afford to engage from a distance,” she said.
Haile said Canada is seeking dependable economic partners and diversified markets, while Africa presents a growing consumer demand, abundant resources and a youthful workforce.
“The opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships have never been stronger,” Haile added.
Also speaking, Olufemi Adegun of ATESCA said investors stand to benefit from firsthand exposure to African markets.
