Canada Announces Millions in Funding During West Africa Diplomatic Trip

Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand concluded a diplomatic mission to Benin and Côte d'Ivoire from August 4 to 6, 2026, as part of Canada's Africa Strategy. The trip focused on expanding economic cooperation, regional security, and diplomatic presence in West Africa.

In Cotonou, Benin, Anand officially opened the Embassy of Canada to Benin and announced approximately $17 million in funding for seven projects targeting energy, regional security, and women's empowerment. She also visited the Port Autonome de Cotonou to inspect the results of a $26 million Canadian loan dedicated to port modernization.

While visiting Côte d'Ivoire, Anand met with Vice President Tiémoko Meyliet Koné and Foreign Affairs Minister Nialé Kaba. She announced $68.4 million in financing, which includes a $65 million loan to NSIA Banque Côte d'Ivoire. Both nations signed memoranda of understanding to create bilateral consultation mechanisms, and Canada expressed intent to negotiate an expanded Air Transport Agreement with Côte d'Ivoire to increase commercial and people-to-people ties.