Building Sustainable Economic Bridges
General Overview
The Senegal – Canada Business and Diplomacy Forum 2026, scheduled to take place from June 24 to 26, 2026 in Toronto, Canada, is a high-level strategic initiative aimed at strengthening economic, diplomatic and institutional cooperation between Senegal, West Africa and North America. The Forum is designed to promote sustainable, innovative and value-driven partnerships.
Vision and Objectives
The Forum seeks to transform traditional bilateral relations into modern, investment-oriented partnerships, with a strong focus on innovation, foreign direct investment (FDI) and the development of high-impact projects.
Its key objectives include:
- Stimulating investment flows between Senegal and Canada
- Encouraging technology transfer and knowledge sharing
- Strengthening economic and institutional collaboration
- Positioning Senegal as a strategic investment hub in West Africa
Strategic Context
The 2026 edition takes place in a particularly favorable international context, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, co-hosted by Canada. This global event creates significant economic, infrastructural, technological and cultural opportunities, offering investors and institutions an ideal platform to anticipate and leverage emerging markets.
Priority Sectors
The Forum will focus on high-growth strategic sectors with strong potential for bilateral and transatlantic synergies:
- Technology and Innovation (Artificial Intelligence, Fintech, Biotechnology, Digital Transformation)
- Infrastructure, Housing and Sustainable Urban Development
- Agritech and Food Security
- Creative and Cultural Industries
- Education, Skills Development and Human Capital
Stakeholders
The Forum will bring together a high-level decision-making ecosystem, including:
- Government officials and local authorities
- International investors, investment funds and financial institutions
- Corporations, SMEs, startups and business leaders
- Universities, research centers and innovation stakeholders
Format and Expected Outcomes
The program will include:
- High-level plenary conferences
- Targeted B2B and B2G meetings
- Strategic networking sessions
- Thematic workshops, including a special focus on FIFA 2026-related opportunities
Expected outcomes include the establishment of strategic partnerships, the identification of concrete investment projects, and the long-term strengthening of transatlantic economic cooperation.
Institutional Significance
The Senegal – Canada Business and Diplomacy Forum 2026 serves as a strategic instrument of economic diplomacy, enhancing Senegal’s international visibility and fostering sustainable economic bridges between Africa and North America.
