In this compelling conversation recorded live at The Age of Africa Annual Symposium, we challenge one-dimensional “crisis” narratives and explore how Canada can adopt a balanced, future-oriented approach to its engagement with Africa. Our panel examines how historical, cultural, and political perceptions influence economic risk assessments and foreign policy strategies. By reframing the dialogue around trade, entrepreneurship, and multidimensional partnerships, we uncover new pathways to harness Africa’s evolving influence on the global stage.

Moderator:
Dr. Jill Humphries – CFR Higher Education Ambassador, Council on Foreign Relations, Los Angeles

Panelists:
Melvin Foote – President, Constituency for Africa, Washington, D.C.
Helen Tewolde – Director, Access Strategy and Partnerships Office, University of Toronto; Founder, Mela Glow, Toronto

Join us as we delve into actionable insights on empowering the African diaspora, leveraging creative industries for cultural diplomacy, and building multilevel alliances that drive policy, business, and social impact.

Stay intentional. Stay accountable. And most importantly, let’s get to work.

This illuminating how Canada and Africa can align climate goals with industrial development. Our speakers examine the mining sector’s crucial role in supplying minerals for clean technologies while maintaining sustainable extraction practices. Together, they chart a path that balances Net Zero ambitions with economic growth, positioning mining as a partner in the low-carbon transition.

Moderator:
Prof. Lesley Warren
Claudette McKay-Lassonde Chair in Mineral & Energy Engineering • Director, Lassonde Institute of Mining, University of Toronto

Panelists:
Clyde Graham
Director, Keystone Solutions Leadership Team, 4R Solutions, Ottawa

Farah Esmail
Corporate Lawyer • Managing Partner, Boyden East Africa, Nairobi

David Boroto
CEO, Engineers Without Borders Canada • Infrastructure Advisory Consultant, Mott MacDonald, Toronto

Join us for a forward-thinking conversation on how collaboration, innovation, and responsible practices can drive sustainable growth on both continents.

In this incisive fireside session, recorded live at the 2025 Age of Africa Annual Symposium, moderator Michael B. Sewardda guides a compelling conversation on how public policy and capital flows can be aligned to catalyze the next phase of investment between Canada and the African continent.

The discussion opens with keynote remarks from Christine Kamugisha, followed by a thought-provoking exchange with a panel of experts who critically examine the evolving landscape for investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers across both regions.

Featuring

• Christine Kamugisha – Lawyer, Partner, Dazzle Angel Fund, Johannesburg (Opening Remarks)

• Michael B. Sewardda – Founding Chair, BPEA (Business Policy & Economic Affairs) & Corporate Counsel, Toronto (Moderator), Washington, D.C.

• Fenohasina Rakotondrazaka Maret, Ph.D. – Founder, ASEED Consulting; Senior Advisor, Africatalyst, Washington, D.C.

• David Harley – Co-Founder & CEO, Thirdway Capital, Toronto

In this panel discussion recorded at the Munk School of Global Affairs, we explore how Development Finance Institutions are stepping up to support underfunded markets across Africa, driving private investment, pioneering new industries, and bolstering long-term economic resilience amid shrinking traditional capital flows.

Panelists:

Join us as our experts discuss innovations in DFI strategies and the critical question: How can these institutions adapt to ensure their interventions continue to promote sustainable growth across the continent?

Africa is not the future,it is the now. In this powerful episode of The Age of Africa Podcast, we explore how Africa’s youthful demographics, natural resources, and technological innovation are reshaping the global order.

Recorded live at The Age of Africa Annual Symposium, this episode is moderated by Kofi Hope, CEO & Co-Founder of Monumental, Urbanist in Residence, School of Cities, University of Toronto, and Senior Fellow, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, Toronto.

He is joined by:

• Jake Okechukwu Effoduh, Assistant Professor, Lincoln Alexander School of Law, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto

• Chris Roberts, Fellow, Canadian Global Affairs Institute; Instructor, Political Science, University of Calgary; President, African Access Consulting

Together, they examine how Canada and Africa can build stronger diplomatic and economic ties within a shifting global landscape.

🎶 Featuring: Palco by Gilberto Gil
📍 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.

In partnership with Air Canada, this episode explores how direct flights between Canada and Africa are reshaping trade, cultural exchange, and diplomatic ties. We examine the impact of mobility on global perceptions and what it means for the future of Canada–Africa relations.

Moderator: Marsha John-Greenwood – Vice-President, People & Culture, Toronto International Film Festival

Guests :

• Norman Haughton – Director, In-Flight Digital Entertainment, WiFi, Media Sales & Analytics, Air Canada, Toronto

As Africa emerges as a key actor in a rapidly evolving global context, shaped by the imperatives of climate resilience, sustainable energy, and geopolitical realignments, this panel will critically examine Canada’s strategic posture. The discussion will explore the complexities of deepening economic and diplomatic ties with Africa, highlighting the nuanced challenges and strategic opportunities for Canada, including the role of inter-provincial coordination in fostering long-term, mutually beneficial growth.

Moderator: Alfred Apps – CEO, Braxted Group, Toronto

Guests:

The episode assembles a distinguished panel of diplomats and policymakers to offer an inside perspective on the evolving relationship between Canada and African states. With a focus on recent diplomatic progress and untapped opportunities, the conversation explores pathways for deeper economic engagement, strategic integration, and multilateral cooperation. From the importance of a unified African voice in global forums to Canada’s role in fostering resilient partnerships, this dialogue unpacks how diplomacy can drive stability, development, and shared prosperity across continents.

Moderator: Hon. Kelechi (Kaycee) Madu, KC, ECA, Lawyer, Former Cabinet Minister & Deputy Premier of Alberta

Guests:

• Amb. Mark Entwistle, Managing Director, Privus Capital; Former Canadian Ambassador to Cuba
  

• H.E. Prosper Higiro, High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda to Canada
  

In this episode, Dr. Akolisa Ufodike, Deputy Minister in the Government of Alberta, Associate Professor at York University, and Founder of the John Ware Institute, moderates a timely and insightful conversation with Amb, Bob Rae, Canada’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Their discussion explores the evolving contours of Canada-Africa relations within the context of global multilateralism, diplomacy, and strategic engagement.

Description:
Season 2 of The Age of Africa Podcast officially launches with a interesting discussion recorded live during The Age Of Africa Annual Symposium at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, in February 2025. Moderator Dr. Akolisa Ufodike sits down with Amb. Bob Rae to examine Canada’s evolving relationship with Africa in an era of shifting global alliances, rising African influence, and the need for deeper engagement rooted in mutual benefit. With wit, honesty, and insight, this launch episode sets the tone for a season of brilliant conversations, bold ideas, and forward-looking collaboration between the Africa, and the world.

Moderated by Kofi Achampong, Lawyer and Government Relations Advisor, and featuring Fortune Chuku, Data and Research Associate at Briter Bridges, this session offers a detailed analysis of Briter Bridges’ 2023 Africa Investment Report. The discussion examines the geographic distribution of capital flows across African regions, the rise of alternative financial instruments, and evolving trends in early, mid-, and late-stage financing. It also highlights the increasing sectoral diversification attracting investor interest, the growing presence of Canadian venture capital in African markets, and the ambitions of African firms seeking expansion into Canada. Grounded in robust data, this session offers valuable insight into where opportunity is emerging, and where it is headed, on the African continent.