Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has made his first official international trip since taking office, visiting Europe to strengthen economic ties. His tour began in France and then continued to the United Kingdom, with the goal of securing stronger partnerships as the United States continues to adopt a hostile stance toward Canada’s economy.
Economist Pierre-Marcel Desjardins supports this effort but believes it should have been initiated earlier. He argues that Canada should not only focus on Europe and Asia but also explore partnerships with African countries, especially in Francophone Africa, where the middle class is growing. Desjardins emphasizes that Canada’s bilingual advantage, particularly in Atlantic Canada, could help establish successful economic relationships with French-speaking African nations.
Desjardins highlights the potential of African countries in agriculture and customer service industries. He suggests that African nations could become hubs for customer contact centers, benefiting both parties. However, he warns that Canada needs to overcome misconceptions about the African market, such as underestimating the purchasing power of the growing middle class.
Shippagan Mayor Kassim Doumbia, originally from Côte d’Ivoire, also sees strong potential for partnerships with African nations. He points out that African resources, including those for the tech and hydroelectric sectors, could benefit Canada. Additionally, the growing interest in African cuisine among Canadians presents an opportunity for increased trade in African food products.
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Entrepreneur Adelle Lubaki, owner of Baobab, a Moncton-based store selling African goods, believes that African imports have significant economic potential. Her business attracts customers from across Canada, seeking products like cassava leaves and plantains that are not locally available. Kassi Tano, another entrepreneur, imports cocoa from Côte d’Ivoire and transforms it into chocolate and other products in Canada. He sees potential for more Canadian businesses to follow this model, leveraging African resources and expertise.
Desjardins stresses that Canada needs to diversify its trade relationships to reduce reliance on the U.S. He warns that growing protectionism and nationalism in the U.S., which began during the Trump administration, are unlikely to disappear. Therefore, expanding trade with Europe, Asia, and Africa is essential for Canada’s economic survival.
This shift toward diversified global partnerships reflects a strategic response to changing economic and political dynamics. By strengthening ties with Europe, Asia, and Africa, Canada aims to secure a more stable and prosperous economic future.
This article is originally published on ici.radio-canada.ca
