Zenith Bank Backs 6th Canada-Africa Business Conference

'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.' – Akin Ogunranti, Executive Director of Zenith Bank Plc.

The 6th Canada-Africa Business Conference is set to deepen trade and investment ties between Canada and Africa. The conference was organized by the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business in Lagos on June 24, 2026.

Zenith Bank Plc, one of Africa's leading financial institutions, sponsored the conference as the Headline Conference Sponsor. The Executive Director of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr Akin Ogunranti, represented the Group Managing Director/CEO, Dr Adaora Umeoji, at the conference.

Ogunranti delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the need for deepening commercial partnerships between Canada and Africa amid shifting global economic realities. He stated that Africa is now ready to lead the next phase of global economic growth, with the institutions, policy frameworks, and partnerships required to turn its immense potential into shared prosperity.

The Canadian delegation to the conference comprised 31 companies and institutions, representing various sectors such as financial services, security, mining, and critical minerals. Some of the companies present included GardaWorld, Dentons, Baywood Group, Element, Trilliant, and other leading Canadian enterprises.

The conference featured high-level panel discussions on Canada-Africa commercial relations, investment opportunities across priority sectors, and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). These sessions brought together policymakers, business executives, and industry experts to identify practical pathways for strengthening commercial partnerships and accelerating sustainable economic development.

Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an enabling environment for investment and international partnerships. Babatunde Onigbanjo, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, highlighted Lagos' position as Nigeria's commercial hub and gateway to African markets.

Carlos Rojas-Arbulú, the Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, noted that the conference reflects the growing momentum in bilateral commercial collaboration between both countries. He expressed Canada's ambition to work with Nigeria to unlock its economic potential and strengthen their partnership.

The conference showcased Nigeria's growing economic significance, with many Canadian businesses expressing interest in investing in the African giant. Paula Caldwell St-Onge, Chair of the Board of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, highlighted Nigeria's growth as already being built by Nigerian entrepreneurs, investors, financial institutions, innovators, and companies.