ZenithBankPlcreaffirmeditscommitmenttoadvancingtrade,investmentandeconomiccooperation
betweenCanadaandAfricaastheHeadlineConferenceSponsorofthe6thCanada-AfricaBusiness
Conference, held on Wednesday, 24 June 2026 at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
OrganisedbytheCanada-AfricaChamberofBusiness,theconferencebroughttogetherahigh-level
Canadian business delegation representing 31 companies, alongside senior government officials, business
leaders, investors, policymakers, diplomats and development partners. The gathering set out to strengthen
commercial relations between Canada and Africa and to position Nigeria as a strategic gateway for Canadian
businesses seeking opportunities across the continent.
The Canadian delegation comprised companies and institutions operating across financial services, security,
mining andcritical minerals,legal andprofessional services, infrastructure, technology, healthcare, education
and clean energy. Among those present were GardaWorld, Dentons, Baywood Group, Element, Trilliant and
other leading Canadian enterprises exploring commercial opportunities and strategic partnerships in Nigeria.
The Executive Director of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Akin Ogunranti, who delivered the keynote address on behalf
of the Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, described the conference as a timely
platform for deepening commercial partnerships between Canada and Africa amid shifting global economic
realities. He underscored Africa’s readiness to lead the next phase of global economic growth, stressing that
thecontinent now possessestheinstitutions,policy frameworks andpartnershipsrequiredtoturn its immense
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.
RepresentingtheGovernorofLagosState,HisExcellencyMr.BabajideSanwo-Olu,thePermanent
Secretary, Ministryof Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade andInvestment, Mr. Babatunde Onigbanjo,reaffirmed
the State Government’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for investment and international
partnerships, and highlighted Lagos’ position as Nigeria’s commercial hub and gateway to African markets.
“Canada bringstothe tableconsiderable expertise,capital, innovation,and astrong traditionof institution
building.Africa,andindeedLagos,offerscale.Weoffertalent,creativity,marketopportunitiesandan
increasingly sophisticated business environment. Together, these strengths create a compelling foundation
for transformative partnership,” he said.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Mr. Carlos Rojas-Arbulú, noted
thattheconferencereflectsthegrowingmomentuminbilateralcommercialcollaborationbetweenboth
countries. He said: “The relationship between Canada and Nigeria is not new. It is rooted in diplomacy, trade,
education,culture,migration,andshareddemocraticvalues.Buttoday,Ibelieveweareenteringanew
chapter: one that is more ambitious, more practical, and more human.”