Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to meet with South Africa’s president during his attendance at the G20 summit, as Canada focuses on expanding trade with other continents and reducing foreign aid. A high-ranking Canadian official mentioned that the initial phase of Canada’s trade diversification away from the U.S. is primarily directed towards Europe and Asia.
Although the Canadian government remains committed to Africa, the prime minister’s current emphasis is not on the continent. The recent federal budget does not address Africa or allocate additional funds for Canada’s newly introduced Africa strategy aimed at enhancing relationships with the continent.
Edward Akuffo, a political science professor at the University of the Fraser Valley, highlighted that this is the first time Canada has developed a specific strategy for Africa in its over 70-year history of engagement with the continent. However, he noted a lack of mention or promotion of the strategy by Carney, raising questions about the government’s dedication to its implementation.
A confidential Canadian official affirmed that Ottawa continues to pursue Canada’s Africa strategy, emphasizing the need to align funding with Carney’s priorities and the requirements of African nations. Over the past five years, Canada has invested approximately $4.5 billion in aid to Africa, focusing on economic development, humanitarian assistance, education, and healthcare support.
The Carney administration’s budget, which recently narrowly passed a crucial confidence vote, outlines a $2.7 billion reduction in foreign aid over the next four years. This includes cuts to global health programs and support for international financial institutions, with the first publicized cut affecting a major fund combating infectious diseases, particularly in Africa.
Prior to the G20 summit in South Africa, Canada announced a reduced $1 billion contribution to the Global Fund, marking a 17% decrease from the previous contribution. This cut, the first in over two decades since the fund’s inception, may raise concerns about the impact on combating diseases like AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria on the continent.
Roland Paris, a former senior adviser to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on foreign affairs, expressed disappointment in Canada’s decision to decrease developmental aid while global crises and humanitarian needs escalate. He emphasized previous commitments to support African countries in climate change adaptation and highlighted the importance of fulfilling those pledges.
The Canadian official reiterated the government’s efforts to strengthen diplomatic and commercial ties with South Africa. Expectations are high for significant outcomes from Carney’s meeting with President Ramaphosa during the summit, aiming to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries.