August 4, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will visit Benin and Côte d’Ivoire from August 4 to 6, 2026, to deepen Canada’s diplomatic, economic and development engagement in West Africa.

In Benin, Minister Anand will meet with Corinne Amori Brunet, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, Minister of Tourism and Foreign Trade of Benin, in charge of Industry and the Promotion of Private Investment; Gildas Agonkan, Minister Delegate to the President of the Republic, in charge of National Defence; and Hugues Oscar Lokossou, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, in charge of the mobilization of external resources and debt management. Discussions will focus on advancing shared priorities, including trade diversification, economic growth, regional security and gender equality while identifying opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation and dialogue through shared engagement within La Francophonie.

In Côte d’Ivoire, Minister Anand will meet with Téné Birahima Ouattara, Vice Prime Minister, Minister of State and Minister of Defence; Nialé Kaba, Minister of State and Minister of Foreign Affairs; and N’Guessan Koffi, Minister of National Education, Literacy, and Technical Education. Discussions will focus on strengthening the Canada-Côte d’Ivoire strategic partnership, advancing cooperation on peace and security and supporting sustainable development. The visit will also underscore Côte d’Ivoire as an important partner in promoting stability and prosperity in West Africa and a collaborator in multilateral forums, including La Francophonie.

In both countries, Minister Anand will meet with private sector leaders to highlight opportunities to strengthen commercial ties, promote trade and investment and support increased collaboration.

Minister Anand’s visit to Benin and Côte d’Ivoire reflects Canada’s commitment to building long-term partnerships across Africa. Through Canada’s Africa Strategy, Canada is strengthening relationships that support inclusive growth, regional stability and prosperity for both Canadians and Africans.