Senator Omidvar: Africa’s transformation is our opportunity

On February 20, 2020 Senator Omidvar rose in the chamber to speak about Africa’s growing population. She questioned the Government Leader in the Senate about Canada’s diminishing presence on the continent.

Senator Omidvar: The population of Africa will double by 2050 according to UN projections – and represent more than a quarter of the planet’s population. This expansion offers huge potential for transformative economic and social development.

Half of the world’s extreme poor live in sub-Saharan Africa. These people are vulnerable to both conflict and natural disasters. In 2018, African countries received the largest regional share of Canada’s international assistance, at 39%. Four of the five largest country recipients of Canadian aid in 2018 were African: Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mali, and Nigeria.

African leaders and civil society are keen to work with Canadian counterparts on effective development cooperation as well as partnerships on a wide range of trade, security, and diplomatic issues.

Yet Canada has embassies or high commissions in only 21 African countries of 54; 39%. In the last 15 years we’ve closed embassies in Gabon, Guinea, Niger and Malawi. Canada has no trade agreements with African countries.

As Africa grows in demographic, political and economic impact, how is the government  working to help African countries and people capitalize on this moment of opportunity – and to help Canadians benefit from Africa’s transformation?