Nov 6- 2025

The 15th edition of the Friends of Africa Summit (FOA) was held in Toronto, Canada, from October 22 to 25, 2025. The Summit was organised by the CASA Foundation for International Development, a non-profit Canadian organisation aimed at advancing women, youth, and other groups in areas such as economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and development initiatives. CASA undertakes social enterprises through a threefold approach: partnership, sponsorship, and mentorship.

The theme of the Summit was "Redefining Tariff Policies and Innovation: Partnerships for Inclusive Growth." Attendees included government and business leaders, as well as representatives from civil society organisations.

The Summit program featured keynote speeches, expert panels, a business exhibition, a job fair, and networking sessions. It aligned with Canada’s Africa Strategy: A Partnership for Shared Prosperity and Security, which seeks to promote trade ties, policy dialogue, and economic cooperation between Ghana and Canada.

Mr Peter Kobina Taylor, the Consul General of Ghana in Toronto, represented the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable James Gyakye Quayson, at a roundtable panel discussion on Saturday, October 25, titled "From Domestic Barriers to Global Bridges: What Canada's Economic Direction Means for Africa." The panel was chaired by the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine, the first Black Member of Parliament and Cabinet Member, and included the Senior Presidential Advisor on Industry to the President of Uganda, Councillor Ayo Owodunni from Kitchener, Ontario, Dr. Nancy Adossi, a Senior International Policy Advisor, and Mr. Adekunle Akintayo, Technical Director of the Energy Group in the United Kingdom.

As part of the Summit, there was a graduation ceremony for technical and vocational students, during which certificates of merit were presented to the graduates by the Member of Parliament for Spadina-Harbourfront, Honourable Chi Nguyen.

The Business Fashion Show featured performances by graduates from Seneca College, and the Pitch Winners were announced to recognise students who excelled in various fields, including entrepreneurship and the creative industry.

Honourable James Gyakye Quayson, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, received an award in recognition of his leadership excellence and contributions to diaspora engagement in national development. The keynote speech for the Summit was delivered by Consul General Peter Kobina Taylor on behalf of the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs. Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs.