Zenith Bank Plc has reinforced its commitment to promoting trade, investment and economic cooperation between Canada and Africa by serving as the headline sponsor of the 6th Canada-Africa Business Conference held in Lagos.
The conference, organised by the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business at Eko Hotel & Suites on June 24, brought together senior government officials, investors, business executives, policymakers, diplomats and development partners to explore opportunities for strengthening commercial relations between Canada and African economies.
A high-level Canadian business delegation representing 31 companies participated in the event, highlighting growing interest in Nigeria and the broader African market.
The delegation included firms operating across financial services, mining, infrastructure, technology, healthcare, education, legal services, clean energy and security.
Speaking on behalf of Zenith Bank’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, Executive Director Akin Ogunranti described the conference as an important platform for expanding economic partnerships between Canada and Africa amid changing global economic conditions.
He noted that Africa is increasingly positioned to drive global economic growth, supported by improving institutions, policy reforms and stronger collaboration between governments and the private sector.
According to Ogunranti, the continent’s challenge is no longer its abundance of opportunities but its ability to transform those opportunities into sustainable prosperity through strategic partnerships, investment and innovation.
Representing the Lagos State Government, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Babatunde Onigbanjo reaffirmed the state’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for international investment.
He said Lagos remains Nigeria’s commercial centre and a strategic entry point for investors seeking access to African markets, adding that Canada’s expertise, innovation and investment capital complement Africa’s expanding market opportunities, entrepreneurial talent and growing business ecosystem.
Canada’s Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Carlos Rojas-Arbulú, said commercial relations between both countries continue to deepen, describing the current phase of bilateral cooperation as one focused on practical business engagement and long-term economic collaboration.
Chair of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, Paula Caldwell St-Onge, highlighted Nigeria’s growing economic importance and acknowledged Zenith Bank’s contribution to advancing stronger business relations between Canada and Africa.
She described the bank as one of Africa’s leading financial institutions and commended its role in supporting initiatives that encourage investment, innovation and private sector development across the continent.
Discussions during the conference focused on investment opportunities across strategic sectors, implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and practical measures to strengthen Canada-Africa commercial partnerships.
Participants also examined ways to accelerate technology transfer, private sector collaboration and infrastructure development while expanding trade flows between Canada and African economies.
The conference is expected to enhance Nigeria’s attractiveness as a destination for Canadian investment while supporting long-term economic growth, job creation and cross-border business opportunities.
For Zenith Bank, the sponsorship reinforces its strategic focus on facilitating international trade, supporting business expansion and strengthening investment relationships that position Nigeria as a gateway to Africa’s rapidly evolving economic landscape.
