The 2026 Canada-Africa Trade and Investment Global Summit (CATIGS) will take place from November 12 to 14 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with organisers seeking to strengthen commercial ties and investment partnerships between Canada and African countries.

The summit, scheduled for the Addis International Convention Center, is being organised by Africa Trade Export and Supermarket Canada (ATESCA) in collaboration with African Women in Processing (AWIP).

According to a statement issued by the organisers, the event will serve as a platform to connect Canadian investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers and businesses directly with opportunities across African markets.

The summit comes as Canadian businesses increasingly seek alternative markets amid global trade uncertainties, supply chain disruptions and changing geopolitical dynamics.

Organisers said the gathering will attract investors, business executives, government officials, development agencies, chambers of commerce, manufacturers, exporters and diaspora entrepreneurs from Canada and across Africa.

Participants are expected to explore investment opportunities in key sectors including agriculture, renewable energy, critical minerals, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, technology, logistics, education and industrial development.

The organisers noted that the summit supports the objectives of the Canada-Africa economic cooperation strategy, which is aimed at expanding trade, innovation, investment and broader economic collaboration between Canada and African nations.

They also highlighted Africa’s growing population, expanding consumer market and abundant natural resources as factors that continue to make the continent an attractive destination for long-term investment. In addition, they pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which spans more than 1.4 billion people and represents a combined economy valued at over $3 trillion.

Speaking on the initiative, AWIP representative Amele Haile said the summit would provide Canadian businesses with direct access to African markets, stressing that the focus has shifted from aid to commercial engagement.

She said Africa offers Canada opportunities through its youthful workforce, rising consumer demand and vast natural resources, creating favourable conditions for mutually beneficial partnerships.

Also commenting, ATESCA representative Olufemi Adegun said investors would benefit from engaging directly with businesses and markets across the continent rather than relying solely on reports and market analyses.

He noted that firsthand interaction with African economies would enable investors to better understand emerging opportunities and build lasting commercial relationships.

Organisers expressed confidence that the summit would deepen economic cooperation between Canada and Africa while creating new pathways for trade and long-term investment.