A delegation of three senior officials from the Canadian government has arrived in Liberia for a four-day mission to evaluate potential investment opportunities, particularly in renewable energy and associated sectors.
The delegation is comprised of Amadou Kane, Counsellor and Chief of Bilateral Cooperation for Ivory Coast; Marie Belanger, Team Leader at the Directorate responsible for Canadian and International Partnerships; and Euloge Camara, Regional Climate Finance Trade Commissioner for Africa, based at the Embassy of Canada in Côte d’Ivoire.
The Office of Liberia Trade & Investment in Canada, represented by Madam Jallahqueena Hawa Konneh, facilitated their trip to Liberia.
During their visit, the Canadian officials engaged in high-level discussions with key figures in the Liberian government and various stakeholders to explore avenues for collaboration.
At a meeting with the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs at the Executive Mansion in Monrovia, the dialogue centred on strengthening the bilateral relationship between Liberia and Canada.
The discussions highlighted ongoing collaborations in human capital development, capacity building, trade, technological innovation, green energy initiatives, private sector investment, and governmental support.
Speaking during the meeting, Amadou Kane (Counsellor and Chief of Bilateral Cooperation to Ivory Coast), disclosed that his office, which is in charge of providing international assistance to Liberia and Ivory Coast, has had a standing relationship with Liberia since 1971.
He observed that though the Canadian government does not have bilateral programs in Liberia, it has multiple trading programs and projects in Liberia totaling several millions United States dollars.
He disclosed that these projects and programs are being implemented by not only international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and multilateral and local organizations.
“We have a lot of programs and projects in Liberia that are being implemented by organizations but Canada is funding them. We also fund through general organizations including the African Development Bank (AfDB). This is a strong partnership between the two countries.”
According to him, the visit would also unearth challenges Liberia is faced with and explore the need for investment opportunities in those critical areas.
“I am very happy to be here in Liberia for the first time. The main reason we are here is to hear from you and see what we can do together,” the Chair of the Canadian government office on Regional Climate Finance Trade Commissioner for Africa and based at the Embassy of Canada to Cote D’Ivoire Mr. Euloge Camara, stated.
He said climate change is a cross-cutting area that requires a collective effort in combating.
He recalled that since 2021, Canada has been contributing towards the fight against climate change through support to programs and projects.
Mr. Camara noted that Canada has also provided the necessary support to Canadian companies operating in many African countries, including Liberia.
He disclosed that finances are provided to these companies and organizations to expand, grow the private sector and make impactful contributions to gender programs, climate change, infrastructure growth and development, amongst others.
He pointed out that a technical support program worth US$300, 000 was also provided by the Canadian government to build the capacity of private school teachers in Liberia.
Welcoming the top Canadian government officials earlier, the Liberian Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Sylvester Grigsby recounted the subsisting relationship between Liberia and Canada and underscored the need for the protection of the environment.
According to him, Liberia remains committed to protecting its environment for the benefit of its citizens.
Minister Grigsby added that renewable energy remains one of the best ways to make energy affordable and accessible to all Liberians and as such, the Government of Liberia remains committed and willing to work with investors to improve the sector.
He, however, pledged to elevate the relationship between Liberia and Canada through the t Office of Liberia Trade & Investment in Canada.
The visiting Canadian government officials will also hold discussions with authorities of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, National Investment Commission (NIC), amongst others.
These engagements represent a concerted effort to forge substantial and impactful partnerships between the two countries.
It also have the potential to drive development and sustainability in Liberia.
The visit of the senior Canadian government officials came as a result of the Liberia Investment Forum held at the International Centre in Toronto, Canada last year.
President Joseph Boakai led an array of Liberian government officials to the Forum. It was also attended by prominent Canadian officials.
The Liberia Investment Forum 2024 unbundled multiple investment opportunities with some global investors committing to invest in mining, sanitation and infrastructure in Liberia.
