AfriCanada Economic Summit 2025

Theme: Driving Sustainable Growth: Focusing on Low-Carbon Solutions, Digital Transformation, Eco-friendly Industrialization, and Future-Oriented Workforce Development.

Date: March 27 - 28, 2025.

Venue: Ontario Investment and Trade Centre, OITC, 250 Yonge Street, 35th floor Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5B 2L7.

*Note: Visa invitation letters will be issued exclusively to resource personnel and strategic partners. Eventbrite ticket does not automatically qualify you for Invitation Letter for visa processing purposes*

Summit overview:

The AfriCanada Economic Summit 2025, to be held in Toronto, Canada, will convene political leaders and policymakers, business executives and industry captains, academics, and innovators from Canada and Africa to foster stronger bilateral relations and address key areas of mutual interest. Anchored on the themes, Driving Sustainable Growth: Focusing on Low-Carbon Solutions, Digital Transformation, Eco-friendly Industrialization, and Future-Oriented Workforce Development," the 2025 Summit will bring together leaders and experts dedicated to advancing sustainable growth across these essential areas. The 2025 Annual AfriCanada Economic Summit is scheduled for March 27-28, 2025, at the Ontario Investment and Trade Centre (OITC)., the summit aims to create a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action towards a sustainable and prosperous future for both regions.

Presenting Agencies:

• Canada Trade Commissioner Services
• Ontario Securities Commission (OSC)
• Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
• TD Bank
• Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD)
• National Research Council (NRC) Industrial Research Assistant Program (IRAP)
• Federal Economic Developmemt for Southern Ontario (FedDev Southern Ontario)
• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
• Immigration, Refugee, Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

IRCC/OINP presentations:

Title: Building Workforce Capacity: Leveraging Immigration Pathways to Fill Labour Needs.

Description:

Are you struggling to find qualified and skilled workers to fill critical labour shortages in your workplace? Would you like to know how you can retain or attract foreign workers?

This information session will provide an overview of Federal immigration programs and the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP), and the resources for employers looking to attract and retain foreign workers from within Canada. Representatives from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) will present key information and engage in an interactive Q&A session to address all your queries.

Key takeaways:

• In-depth knowledge of the work permit process.
• Key information on how to leverage immigration pathways for hiring and retaining foreign skilled workers.
• Access to resources that streamline the search for skilled foreign workers.
• Insights into how the OINP complements Federal immigration pathways and can be leveraged to enhance your workforce.
• Practical tips on using the OINP for retaining or hiring foreign skilled professionals.

Objectives:

1.) Strengthen Canada-Africa Relations: Enhance diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between Canada and African nations to promote mutual growth and development.

2.) Promote Sustainable Development: Explore strategies and collaborative efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in both regions.

3.) Advance the Digital Economy and Infrastructure: Discuss the role of digital innovation and infrastructure in driving economic growth and development.

4.) Foster Environmentally-Responsible Industrialization: Identify pathways for industrialization that prioritize environmental sustainability and resilience.

Key Themes:

1.) Canada-Africa Relations Towards Sustainable Development:

· Strengthening diplomatic and economic partnerships.

· Joint initiatives and projects aimed at achieving the SDGs.

· Case studies on successful Canada-Africa collaborations in sustainable development.

2.) Digital Economy and Infrastructure:

· Building robust digital infrastructures to support economic growth.

· Enhancing cybersecurity and data protection.

· Promoting digital inclusion and literacy.

· Leveraging digital technologies for sustainable development.

3.) Environmentally-Responsible Industrialization:

· Innovations in green technology and renewable energy.

· Policies and practices for reducing industrial carbon footprints.

· Sustainable manufacturing and circular economy initiatives.

· Success stories of green industrial transitions in Canada and Africa.

4.) Future-Oriented Workforce Development

. Equipping workers with skills for high-demand fields such as renewable energy, healthcare, IT, and advanced manufacturing.
. Promoting lifelong learning and upskilling opportunities for career transitions.

. Workforce Adaptation to Technological Advancements . Addressing the impact of automation, AI, and digitalization on job markets.

. Integrating technology training into workforce development programs.

Keynote Speakers and Panels:

The summit will feature keynote addresses and panel discussions with distinguished speakers, including:

· High-level government officials from Canada and African nations.

· International experts in sustainable development and digital economy.

· CEOs and industry leaders in technology and green industries.

· Academics and researchers with expertise in Canada-Africa relations.

Workshop and Networking Sessions:

· Interactive Workshops: Hands-on sessions focused on practical strategies for implementing sustainable and digital initiatives.

· Networking Opportunities: Facilitated networking sessions to connect delegates with potential collaborators and partners.

· Roundtable Discussions: In-depth discussions on specific topics, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Expected Outcomes:

· Policy Recommendations: Development of actionable policy recommendations to strengthen Canada-Africa relations and promote sustainable development.

· Collaborative Projects: Identification and initiation of joint projects and initiatives in digital economy, infrastructure, and environmentally-responsible industrialization.

· Knowledge Sharing: Dissemination of insights, research findings, and case studies to a wider audience, promoting best practices and successful models.

The AfriCanada Economic Summit 2025 is a pivotal event, driving forward the agenda of sustainable development, digital transformation, and green industrialization through enhanced Canada-Africa relations. By convening a diverse group of stakeholders, the summit aims to catalyze innovative solutions and foster collaborative efforts that will benefit both regions. We invite all interested parties to participate in this crucial dialogue and contribute to the shared goal of a sustainable and prosperous future.

Inquiries and partnerships: info@africanadasummit.com

Website: www.africanadasummit.com

*Note: Visa invitation letters will be issued exclusively to resource personnel and strategic partners.*