Canada has expressed its readiness to strengthen and broaden its economic relationship with Nigeria, highlighting the rapid global rise of African music and the expanding economic opportunities surrounding the continent’s creative sector.
The Canadian Deputy High Commissioner in Nigeria, Mr. Carlos Rojas-Arbulu, disclosed this at The Headies: Road to Toronto reception, themed “Africa to the World,” held at the Canadian Deputy High Commission in Lagos at the weekend.
According to Rojas-Arbulu, Canada and Nigeria have already established strong links in areas including trade, education, investment and people-to-people relations, providing a foundation for expanding bilateral economic cooperation.
He said: “Canada is looking to deepen and diversify its economic partnerships globally, particularly Nigeria. Our countries already have strong connections to trade, education, investment, and our people, including a significant Nigerian diaspora in Canada, 120,000, but you have to add to that, the 20 to 25,000 Nigerian students that come to our country to study in universities and schools.
“So, we see opportunities to build on those foundations, including across trade, investment, technology, education, innovation, and skills, and by creating stronger connections between Canadian businesses and Nigerian businesses and institutions. You will hear us speak about the economic piece, and here we are talking about the Trade and Investment Summit in Toronto, which we believe creates an opportunity for businesses to invest and to have a conversation to create some dreams for people.”
He also pointed to Nigeria’s expanding music ecosystem, noting that the sector now encompasses far more than performers and producers, with a growing network of professionals and businesses supporting African creativity.
Talking about Nigeria’s thriving music industry, he said there are artists, producers, but also managers, technology companies, media platforms, designers, lawyers, investors, and the list goes on.
“And they are building businesses around African creativity. And the opportunity extends well beyond music.”
“Film, fashion, media, technology, and a wider creative audience. So, the question is, how do we build on that demand? How do we create stronger businesses around African creativity? How do those businesses reach new markets and attract investment? And where can international partnerships help create new connections and opportunities? These are questions that I know matter to you, and they also matter to Canada.
“Let me just conclude by saying that we should also be realistic. Tonight, or even tomorrow, is not going to answer all of these questions, but these platforms can bring the right people into the same room, start new conversations, and help us better understand where the opportunities for collaboration actually are. And hence why this night is also about friendships, it’s about connections, it’s about networking, it’s about engaging.
“Canada is pleased to be part of that conversation, and we very much look forward to seeing where these connections can lead,” the Canadian envoy said.
