Two pivotal events in September have highlighted the shifting dynamics in Africa’s external partnerships. First, Canada held consultations on a new approach to its relationship with Africa. Second, at a Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to deliver more than $US50 billion in loans, investment and aid to African nations over the next three years, as well as to upgrading diplomatic ties.
Map of Africa
These coinciding developments underscore the urgency for Canada to rethink its role in Africa if it hopes to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.
China’s deepening ties with Africa are transforming the continent’s partnerships with the global community. As Africa’s largest trading partner, China has delivered billions in loans and infrastructure projects, which are reshaping African economies and providing an alternative to western aid.
These loans come with risks such as debt dependency and concerns about democratic governance. But they fill a critical gap that western nations, including Canada, have largely left unaddressed.
China’s $50-billion commitment is about more than financial assistance. It symbolizes that country’s broader effort to shape a modern Africa using a distinctly Chinese model. This approach, which ties African development to overcoming western colonial exploitation, resonates with many Africans who view western intervention with skepticism.
China frames the partnership as one of mutual benefits. In reality this is often not the case, and China’s strategy in Africa has its own challenges including debt dependency, environmental degradation and lack of transparency in contracts. But it does bypass conditions and paternalism often attached to western aid.
Canada must understand that Africa’s search for new partnerships is not just about securing investment but also about diversifying its alliances. Recent events, such as protests in Niger calling for the expulsion of U.S. troops, illustrate the limits of western influence.
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Meanwhile, China and Russia are positioning themselves as alternatives by offering partnerships without lectures on governance or human rights. The high level of attendance at FOCAC – around 50 African heads of state – shows that China’s approach is working.
This shift presents a challenge for Canada to find its own path to work with Africa in a meaningful way. The lessons from this year’s FOCAC summit are clear: African negotiators now have more influence over the agenda and are pushing for investments in industry, agriculture and energy, which align with Africa’s needs.
Canada should acknowledge Africa’s growing importance while offering something distinct from western paternalism and China’s transactional partnerships. Political leaders must approach Africa not just as a region needing aid and development, but also as one with untapped economic potential and political agency.
If Canada desires to remain a significant player on the African continent, the following are some useful options:
Leverage the African diaspora
The vibrant presence of Africans in Canada is a unique asset that can help bridge cultural and economic gaps, and should be central to Canadian efforts to deepen ties with the continent.
It is important to use the African diaspora’s perspectives and contributions in developing national strategies. Canada can build trust and promote greater trade and investment between the two regions by supporting Africans leading businesses and initiatives in key sectors such as technology, health and education.
Diversify commercial efforts
China has focused heavily on infrastructure, but Canada should capitalize on its strengths in clean energy, education and technology, which are all part of Africa’s long-term development goals. African nations are not only seeking infrastructure funding but also sustainable partnerships that create jobs and foster innovation.
Canada’s focus on green growth and digital innovation can provide African countries with a viable alternative that complements China’s investments. For example, Canada’s expertise in renewable energy could help African nations meet their energy needs while addressing climate change.
Empower Africa’s youth
With Africa’s youth population rapidly growing, addressing youth unemployment is critical to the continent’s future stability and prosperity. Canada can play a key role by investing in education and vocational training programs that equip young Africans with skills for a modern economy.
Initiatives like Canada’s International Development Research Centre could expand their focus on innovation and skills training, thereby helping to prepare Africa’s youth for careers in technology, health care and clean energy.
Reaffirm a commitment to peace and good governance
Canada must continue to emphasize peace, security and good governance in its involvement with Africa. This should be done in a way that respects African sovereignty and avoids a perception of western paternalism.
Canada’s past support for African-led initiatives such as the African Union’s peacekeeping missions demonstrates that it is possible to promote good governance while collaborating with local institutions.
Moving forward, Canada should focus on providing technical assistance and strengthening civil-society organizations and African institutions to enhance transparency and governance. This would allow African nations to chart their own paths to stability and development.
The convergence of China’s growing presence in Africa and Canada’s re-evaluation of its African strategy presents a timely opportunity for the federal government to recalibrate its approach. Many African countries are no longer passive recipients of western aid or beholden to a single model for their development.
They are increasingly assertive with foreign powers, and shape the terms of their partnerships to line up with their own interests. If Canada is to remain relevant, it must respect Africa’s priorities, build on shared interests and avoid pitfalls of the past.
Canada’s consultations on its approach to Africa are a step in the right direction, but they must come with a sense of urgency and ambition. Africa’s political and economic landscape is changing rapidly and Canada needs to act decisively.
We can carve out a meaningful role in Africa’s future by focusing on equal partnerships, putting people first, leveraging our strengths (green energy, education and technology) and working closely with the African diaspora in our own country. In doing so, Canada will not only advance its own interests but also contribute to Africa’s long-term prosperity and stability.
Africa is already looking elsewhere for partnerships. Canada must seize this moment to present a compelling alternative that supports African aspirations and demonstrates that Canada is ready to work with Africa on equal terms.
A more engaged and strategic approach to Africa is not just necessary. It is imperative.
The article was originally published by Policy Options magazine.
Isaac Odoom is an assistant professor of political science at Carleton University. His research focuses on African political economy, Africa-China relations, and Canada’s role in global development.