Canadian Council on Africa

Canadian Council on Africa
Non-profit organization
Founded Montreal, Quebec (May 27, 2002)
Headquarters Ottawa, Canada
Number of locations
 4 offices across Canada
Area served
 Canada and the African continent
Key people
 President/CEO:
Lucien Bradet,
VP, Ontario:
Chris Kianza,
VP, Quebec :
Karl Miville-de Chêne,
VP, Western Canada:
Frank Kense,
Founder:
Nola Kianza,
Graphic Designer:
Karl Hasenhuendl
Services Business Development Service, African News Clipping Service, Monthly African Indicators, Publications, Networking, Advocacy, Facilitating Obtaining Business Visas, Organizing trade and business conferences,Information services
Members over 150 from various sectors
Website http://www.ccafrica.ca/

The Canadian Council on Africa (CCAfrica) was created on May 27, 2002 and is currently located in Ottawa, Ontario, with the goal of becoming Canada's leading organization committed to the economic development of a modern competitive Africa. CCAfrica was founded as a result of the Kananaskis G8 Summit, where the agenda included the development of a self-help plan for Africa.[1] Formed a year after The New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), CCAfrica shares NEPAD’s goal of African renewal.[2]

CCAfrica believes that creating a framework for business to flourish is a critical aspect of Africa’s development challenge. As such, business can produce social good while creating financial returns that reward the risk and commitment of shareholders and stakeholders. CCAfrica strives for the creation of social value, transparency at home and abroad, the upholding of human rights, environmental stewardship, the health and safety of partners and communities, and the support of employees and stakeholder communities where HIV/AIDS is prevalent.[3]

Mission

To facilitate and promote sustainable increased trade and investment between Canadian and African private and public sectors, according to appropriate corporate social responsibility (CSR) guidelines, for the mutual benefit of all.

Vision

To become Canada’s leading organization committed to the economic development of a modern competitive Africa.

Goals

All of the goals of CCAfrica are with the aim of upholding and attaining the mission statement. Thus, the following specific goals can be derived:

  1. Encourage dialogue and discussion on questions of the economy and commerce relating to Canada and African countries, in a way that encourages an increase and a diversification of investment, as well as economic and commercial exchange between Canada and African countries.
  2. Contribute to the understanding and evolution of economic and commercial relations between Canada and African countries, as well as promoting investment and commerce between Canada and African countries, specifically in the following ways:
    1. Acting as a think-tank for the promotion and development of economic and commercial politics between Canada and African countries, as well as giving council to the government of Canada, its agencies and provincial governments, and the governments of African countries.
    2. In collaboration with the government of Canada and the provincial governments, develop and maintain close relations with diverse national and regional groups dedicated to the realization of economic and commercial development projects between Canada and African countries.
    3. Conduct analyses, studies, research, and literature reviews necessary to the achievement of the CCAfrica’s mission and strategic goals.
    4. Acting, in accordance with means and opportunities, as promoter and organizer of events such as symposiums, conferences, seminars, briefings, and missions.[4]

Membership and member services

CCAfrica is a non-profit organization dedicated to Africa’s economic development. The organization has over 150 members representing every sector of the economy: education, engineering, infrastructure, natural resources, energy, finance, legal, consulting, communications, information technology, manufacture, agri-food, environment, sustainable development, and health. In addition to active members, CCAfrica has associate members, such as the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), and affiliated African members, such as Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA).[5]

Many services are provided for members of CCAfrica. A notable service is the Business Development Service (BDS), a weekly publication sent out to members with relevant African business opportunities in their sector. CCAfrica also lobbies on behalf of and represents their members in dealings with the government. A great number of publications are also available to members, including newsletters, reports, briefing notes, the Africa News Clipping Service, and the Monthly African Indicators. In addition, members become part of a network of organizations that are players in the economic development of Africa, can be assisted in obtaining business visas, and are kept informed of various updates that can affect their business dealings in Africa.[6]

Activities and events

CCAfrica holds conferences, seminars, and briefings throughout Canada. The themes of these events range from natural resources and the economy to education and the Francophonie. All of these events seek to provide information to both members and non-members about business and development in Africa.

In addition to conferences and seminars, CCAfrica also hosts political and business delegations from African countries. Furthermore, CCAfrica leads Canadian business delegations to African countries. These help to promote business relations between Canadian businesses and institutions and their African counterparts.[7]

Board of directors

Members

Maritimes

Québec


Ontario


Western Canada


Advisors

Canadian offices

There are four CCAfrica offices across Canada: the President's Office, located in Ottawa (Ontario), with regional offices located in Toronto (Ontario), Montreal (Quebec) and Calgary (Alberta).

References

  1. ↑ 2002 Kananaskis Summit
  2. ↑ NEPAD < Welcome >
  3. ↑ Canadian Council on Africa Code of Conduct
  4. ↑ Canadian Council on Africa Patent Documents
  5. ↑ Canadian Council on Africa Newsletter Vol. 12, No. 2 / Fall 2007
  6. ↑ Canadian Council on Africa "About CCAfrica"
  7. ↑ Canadian Council on Africa "About CCAfrica

External links