Africa Day
There is a recent increase in African newcomers to Canada, resulting in Africa becoming the 2nd fastest-growing population in Canada. According to Statistics Canada, Africa’s is home to 5 of the top 10 fastest-growing economies in the world, and once fully implemented, the African Continental Free Trade Area will be equivalent to the world’s fifth-largest economy, with the potential for a combined GDP of more than $4.6 trillion. By 2022, Canadian direct investment in stood at $15.7 billion, while foreign direct investment stock to Canada amounted to $2 billion.Canada’s merchandise trade with countries totalled $15.1 billion by 2022, while Dentons 2023 analysis report African countries such as Nigeria, Morocco, Algeria as the largest trade partners of Canada.
However, despite the recent increase in trade numbers, little is known about the challenges and experiences of people of the African Diaspora. Some of the challenges faced by newcomers include how to rebuild their lives, businesses and careers in their new homeland and of course how to navigate the structural barriers that they are faced with. Entrepreneurs from Afro-descendant communities, lack support systems and have limited access to relevant information to begin their entrepreneurial journey so that they can contribute to Canada’s GDP and develop home grown businesses that could influence, impact and partner with Africa’s business sectors.
Africa Day serves as a dynamic platform to have this dialogue, while learning from experts and other stakeholders about the solutions and ideas to support African innovation and entrepreneurship through collaboration and networking.
The Forum features panel discussions, a fireside chat with key decision makers, learning about opportunities and challenges from speakers from entrepreneurial backgrounds, academia,policymakers, leaders, and practitioners or its diaporan businesses, CEOs, Founders, and leaders from government and private sectors to exchange ideas, network and discuss available solutions.
The Forum is also an occasion for recognition and celebration of Founders of our various partnered programs, while announcing winners of support initiatives such as Pitch Grants and other resources provided by our partners like Casa Foundation, and other institutions.
Join us to celebrate Africa Day!!!
Africa Day 2024
Join us for Africa Day, on May 25th, marking the 61st anniversary of dedicated efforts to unite the African people and celebrate the achievements of the pan-African movement.
This year, the theme of Africa Day is “Investing in People of African Descent in Canada: Entrepreneurial Perspective.” With a recent increase in African newcomers to Canada, this event aims to shed light on the challenges and experiences of the African Diaspora. We recognize the importance of rebuilding lives and communities in a new homeland and navigating structural barriers.
We are excited to invite you to a networking reception with distinguished leaders from the African Diaspora. This event will provide an opportunity to foster connections among diverse ecosystem groups across various industries globally. Casa Foundation is committed to facilitating impactful networking opportunities and knowledge sharing.
Join us as we celebrate Africa Day and support African innovations and entrepreneurship through collaborations and networking. Together, let’s invest in the people of African descent in Canada and empower Afro-descendant entrepreneurs to thrive in their entrepreneurial journey. Don’t miss out on this exciting event!
Recap of Africa Day 2023 :
Recap of Africa Day 2022 :
Africa Day 2022 was a vibrant celebration, resonating with the theme, ‘The Contribution of the African Diaspora in Canada to Build the African Continent.’ The event unfolded as an exhilarating exploration of the pivotal role played by the African Diaspora in shaping the future of the continent. The heart of the event was a compelling panel discussion titled “Round Table Discussion: The Africa We Want – How Africa Diasporas Can Harness its Entrepreneurs and Innovators for Growth.”
Africa Day 2022 was a celebration of unity, collaboration, and the belief that the contributions of the African Diaspora in Canada are instrumental in shaping the destiny of the African continent.