Canada risks falling behind with tepid approach to African trade: South Africa envoy

Ottawa's cautious approach to expanding trade in Africa could see Canada lagging behind other countries in the region, warns South Africa's High Commissioner. According to Shaik, Canada still treats African countries as recipients of aid and security assistance, rather than as dynamic markets with high growth potential. "My criticism of Canada would be that it hasn't seriously made the transition," he told The Canadian Press.

High-profile advocates argue that China, the United Arab Emirates, and other Western nations have forged stronger ties with African countries, which could yield long-term benefits for Canada. The Senate Foreign Affairs Committee echoed this sentiment in a report last December, urging Canada to bolster its foreign service and expand trade beyond mining sectors.

Shaik is actively working to secure a strategic partnership agreement between Canada and South Africa, committing both nations to collaborate more deeply in five key sectors: agribusiness, infrastructure, mining, energy, and advanced technologies. This partnership would be supported by an investment promotion and protection agreement, ensuring legally binding rules for foreign investment.

Shaik emphasizes the importance of investor-dispute tribunals, stating that Canada's demand for an international resolution mechanism contrasts with South Africa's reliance on domestic courts. The new partnership would position South Africa as Canada's gateway to other southern African countries and the African Continental Free Trade Area. Shaik believes Canada should seize the opportunity to be a first-mover in the African market, rather than waiting for competitors like China to establish a foothold.