COMMENTARY: As US pulls out of Africa, Canada seizes opportunity with Africa Strategy and over $1 billion package

By Hans Ngala

Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mélanie Joly has announced the launch of Canada’s Africa Strategy: A Partnership for Shared Prosperity and Security which is Canada’s first global strategy that will drive economic prosperity, security and fairness for both Canadians and Africans. The announcement by Canadian authorities comes nearly two months after US President Donald Trump’s return to office in which he announced that he was cutting off all foreign aid to Africa, leaving the continent in limbo especially as regards critical sectors like healthcare and climate action.
“Canada’s Africa Strategy represents a robust new foreign policy designed to benefit Canadian and African partners, thus contributing to Canada and Africa’s collective economic prosperity, as well as to global health, peace and security,” part of a statement from the Canadian government read. It added that “Aligned with the African Union’s continental blueprint, Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, Canada’s Africa Strategy was developed over 2 years through extensive consultations with Canadian and international stakeholders and African partners and stakeholders…”
Canadian authorities are also committing over 1 billion Canadian dollars to support humanitarian assistance projects that will contribute to economic prosperity, climate action, governance, global health, and peace and security. Part of the funds will also go towards the protection of Sudanese civilians, promoting stability in the Sahel and coastal West Africa as well as promoting peaceful coexistence in Ethiopia.
Canada’s Africa Strategy will include greater engagement with the continent including Canada’s Special Envoy for Africa Ben Marc Diendéré who will be tasked with handling trade between Africa and Canada; Special Envoy for the Sahel who doubles as Canada’s ambassador to Senegal, will be tasked with greater engagement with the Sahel states; establishing a full high commission in Zambia and an embassy in Benin.

Why the Sudden Interest in Africa?

With Canada’s southern neighbor the United States picking fights with the country under the leadership of Donald Trump, the two neighboring countries have been locked in a fierce trade war with Trump imposing tariffs on Canadian goods, claiming that Canada was “ripping off the United States” and Canada denying the allegations and retaliating with tariffs of their own and a boycott of all American products.
With three more years of Trump to go, Canada’s government has no doubt seen a fresh opportunity in Africa once Trump’s government pulled out in late January. Trump halted all foreign assistance to African countries but later touted interest in minerals in war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo – the same approach he has used with Ukraine, pledging US military assistance in return for the country’s rare earth minerals.
With the US presence in Africa greatly weakened and with US-Canada relations at an all-time low, Ottawa has seen the immense advantage in establishing her presence in Africa which could be a subtle slap in the face for the US. A greater Canadian presence on the continent would serve to strengthen Canada geopolitically and win her more allies. All the Sahel countries where Canada’s Africa Strategy aims to focus – are all French-speaking countries. French being one of Canada’s two official languages means that more students could be traveling from Francophone Africa to Canada for studies and more Canadian companies could open offices in these African countries and take advantage of the huge market that Africa has for Canadian products. With America out of the picture, this will be an opportune time for Canada, a country which has traditionally not been as engaged with Africa.
Canada has had diplomatic relations with just 20 countries in Africa, including with Cameroon which shares linguistic and cultural ties as both countries speak English and French as their official languages with Cameroon being the reverse of Canada.
Greater Canadian engagement with Africa will have impacts in several areas in the following ways:
Economic Growth and Trade
One of the primary ways Africa will benefit from Canada’s enhanced presence is through economic growth and trade. The continent has long sought greater diversification in its international partnerships, and Canada’s Africa Strategy offers African nations an opportunity to attract investment in key industries, including natural resources, technology, infrastructure, and agriculture – areas where Canada has experts in. With Canada increasing its trade relations, African businesses and entrepreneurs can gain access to a broader market and benefit from Canadian expertise and investment in sustainable development.
Furthermore, Canada’s emphasis on trade aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions economic integration and development. By strengthening commercial ties, Canada can facilitate trade agreements that promote job creation, technological transfer, and industrial growth. Canadian companies opening offices in Africa will not only contribute to the local economy but also provide training and employment opportunities to African professionals.
Healthcare Advancement
The withdrawal of U.S. foreign aid has left a significant gap in Africa’s healthcare sector, particularly in funding for disease prevention, maternal health, and pandemic response. Canada’s commitment to global health offers a lifeline, ensuring continued support for critical healthcare initiatives. Investments in medical infrastructure, research collaborations, and health programs will help strengthen Africa’s ability to address pressing healthcare challenges, including infectious diseases, malnutrition, and maternal mortality.
Additionally, Canada has a strong reputation in medical research and public health, and partnerships with African institutions such as the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention could lead to advancements in medical technologies, vaccine development, and training for healthcare professionals. By prioritizing healthcare investments, Canada can help African countries build resilient health systems capable of responding to future crises.
Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability
Africa faces severe climate challenges, including desertification, deforestation, and extreme weather events. Canada’s Africa Strategy includes a significant focus on climate action, aligning with Africa’s need for sustainable solutions which conversely is something the Trump administration is in opposition to. Canada’s expertise in clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and environmental conservation will be valuable in helping African nations transition to greener economies which under Trump, is not a priority.
Financial support for climate resilience projects (which have been defunded under Trump) will enable African countries to implement policies that mitigate the impact of climate change, protect biodiversity, and promote sustainable resource management. This collaboration will not only benefit Africa but also contribute to Canada’s global environmental goals by fostering partnerships in carbon offset initiatives and renewable energy projects.
Security and Governance
As instability in regions like the Sahel threatens economic progress, Canada’s commitment to peace and security in Africa is timely. Investments in conflict resolution, governance programs, and peacekeeping efforts will strengthen Africa’s security infrastructure. Canada’s diplomatic efforts can support regional stability by promoting democratic governance, human rights, and the rule of law.
Furthermore, Canada’s presence in peacekeeping initiatives will reinforce efforts to combat terrorism, human trafficking, and organized crime, all of which pose threats to global security.
Benefits for Canada and Global Influence
Canada stands to gain significantly from a stronger partnership with Africa. By engaging in economic and political alliances, Canada can enhance its influence on the global stage, positioning itself as a key player in international development and diplomacy. The presence of a stable and prosperous Africa also aligns with Canada’s broader foreign policy objectives, including global security and sustainable development.
Moreover, by strengthening ties with French-speaking African nations, Canada can expand its cultural and linguistic connections, leading to an increase in student exchanges, tourism, and business ventures. Canadian universities will attract more African students, creating a long-term pipeline of skilled professionals who can contribute to both African and Canadian economies.
Impact on U.S. Soft Power
The U.S. withdrawal from Africa has created a vacuum that Canada is strategically filling. As Canada deepens its engagement, the U.S. risks losing its influence on the continent, weakening its soft power and global standing. Traditionally, the U.S. has leveraged aid and military presence to maintain strategic alliances in Africa. However, with Canada stepping in as a key partner, African nations may look to Ottawa for leadership and support, diminishing Washington’s historical influence.
This shift underscores the evolving nature of global alliances, where nations like Canada can emerge as pivotal players in shaping Africa’s future. Ultimately, Canada’s proactive approach will lead to stronger diplomatic relations, economic opportunities, and a shared vision for sustainable development between Canada and Africa.