Africa Can’t Be a Footnote at the G7
The G7 has come and gone. The summit ended more smoothly than Canada’s last hosting, but the key question remains: what was accomplished?
At EWB Canada, we had one clear goal going into this year’s G7: bring Africa meaningfully to the table.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s attendance was a welcome step — but a symbolic one only. Beyond that, Africa was barely present in the conversation.
And yet, Africa is central to every priority Canada set for this G7:
- Peace and security: Africa is home to both conflict and local peacebuilding.
- Energy transition: Africa holds the world’s most untapped renewable energy potential, and with the momentum of Mission 300, now is the time to invest.
- Digital infrastructure: Africa’s tech sector is growing faster than any other region.
- Economic growth and trade: Africa is launching the world’s largest free trade area with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
- Jobs and Economic Growth: By 2030, half the world’s new workers will be African.
Africa matters — not as a beneficiary, but as a partner. Africa is a driver of solutions to global challenges.
While no official communique was released, the Chair’s Summary touched on the right issues. But Africa’s absence from the outcomes is a missed opportunity.
Ahead of the summit, EWB Canada was on the streets of Calgary calling on Canada to use the G7 to demonstrate that Africa is a partner for the future. Unfortunately, that call went unanswered.
EWB Canada will continue to advocate for a bold shift in Canada’s foreign policy, as we have historically.
This time, we’re advocating that Canada sees Africa not as a development case, but as a strategic ally.
As Canada’s G7 presidency continues, and with South Africa leading the G20 in November, there are still opportunities for meaningful leadership.
Africa can no longer be a footnote.
Together, let’s advocate for a different future.
