August 7, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today concluded a successful trip to Cotonou, Benin, and Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, which took place from August 4 to 6, 2026. This visit underscored Canada’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, promoting inclusive economic growth and advancing shared priorities in West Africa as part of Canada’s Africa Strategy.

During her visit, Minister Anand engaged with key government officials and business leaders to reinforce Canada’s robust partnerships and announce significant new investments in the region.

A central highlight of the trip was the official opening of the Embassy of Canada to Benin, in Cotonou, marking a major operational milestone that enhances Canada’s diplomatic presence, deepens engagement and facilitates closer collaboration with Benin and the broader West African region.

In Benin, the Minister focused on Canada and Benin’s shared goals regarding regional security, sustainable development and mutual prosperity. To further these objectives, Minister Anand announced a total of approximately $17 million in funding for seven projects in Benin and across West Africa: $5 million to support women-led businesses through digital transformation; $4 million for a project to strengthen the leadership and empowerment of women and girls; approximately $1 million to develop and scale sustainable, inclusive, and locally sourced school meal supplies; $1.5 million to reduce gender disparities in West Africa’s energy sector; $2 million for ordnance risk education and arms and ammunition management in border areas; $500,000 to strengthen regional border governance and security; and $3 million to advance international police cooperation in West Africa.

Canada and Benin also signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a mechanism for bilateral consultations to reinforce and expand collaboration between the two countries.

Minister Anand also visited the Port Autonome de Cotonou [Autonomous Port of Cotonou], allowing her to appreciate first-hand the impact of Canada’s approximately $26-million loan through the Canada-African Development Bank Climate Fund, which contributes to the port’s broader modernization project (approximately $316 million), aimed at integrating climate change adaptation and resilience measures.

In Côte d’Ivoire, discussions centered on expanding bilateral trade and long-term economic cooperation. Minister Anand met with Vice President Tiémoko Meyliet Koné to discuss these issues, sustainable development and regional peace and stability in West Africa. Recognizing Côte d’Ivoire’s role as a key economic hub, the Minister announced approximately $68.4 million in financing and funding to support economic growth, financial inclusion, education and security. This includes a loan of approximately $65 million (€40 million) through FinDev Canada to NSIA Banque Côte d’Ivoire, approximately $900,000 to develop and test an innovative inclusive bond-financing mechanism for very small enterprises and informal-sector workers, $986,400 to strengthen Côte d’Ivoire’s school feeding system and $1.5 million in continued support to the Académie internationale de lutte contre le terrorisme [International Academy for Counter-Terrorism].

During the visit, Minister Anand signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a mechanism for bilateral consultations to further the overall partnership between the two countries. The Minister also announced the intention to launch negotiations to expand the Air Transport Agreement between Canada and Côte d’Ivoire, which, once concluded, will strengthen commercial and people-to-people ties. 

These targeted investments reflect Canada’s broader strategic commitment to supporting economic resilience and fostering dynamic, mutually beneficial relationships across the African continent.