16th African Economic Summit (Friends of Africa-2026)

Casa Foundation is thrilled to announce the 16th Anniversary of the African Economic Summit (Friends of Africa -FOA2026).

Themed: Scaling Strategic Partnerships Across Borders. Happening from 6th - 10th October 2026

About Friends of Africa's- African Economic Summit

Join us in October for this highly anticipated event, featuring Virtual and In-person sessions for a diverse audience across North America, Asia, and Africa in October 2026. The In-person sessions will be held at the prestigious Westin Harbor Castle Hotel's renowned Conference Center, downtown Toronto, Canada.

Accommodation: All Delegates can pre-book their hotel accommodation at a discounted rate by quoting #FOA2026 at the for the Friends of Africa - Economic Summit on Africa.

Friends of Africa 2026 Updates:

This year's Economic Summit is designed to explore the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in strengthening economic and trade partnerships in the post-pandemic world. The summit will bring together leading experts, policymakers, academics, entrepreneurs, investors, and other key stakeholders from around the world to share insights, exchange ideas, and foster collaboration.

Our online sessions in October will feature a range of Pitch advisory and mentorship, partnership connection sessions., prep presentations, pitch competitions, and Q&A sessions on various topics related to international trade, economic cooperation, investment, digitalization, and innovation. Participants will have the chance to interact with speakers and fellow attendees via our virtual platform.

Our in-person sessions will hold at the Westin Harbor Castle Conference Centre, Downtown Toronto, Canada. These sessions will complement the online component with further keynote speeches, panel discussions, networking opportunities, job fairs, and interactive workshops.

The Marketplace and Business Showcase is an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services and engage with like-minded people. The venue provides a perfect setting to meet new people and explore new business opportunities while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the hotel.

The Dinner Gala celebration wrap up is an opportunity not to be missed to connect with Global leaders,Influencers, and CEOs from the private and public sectors.

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to engage with the world's top minds in infrastructure, economics, real estate, and business. Register now to secure your spot at the Friends of Africa (FOA2026) Economic Summit. We look forward to seeing you there!

What Should I Expect at the FOA Summit?

• Keynote address
• Panel discussions
• Fireside chat
• Pitch presentation*
• Workshops
• Business Showcase: Marketplace & Products
• Black Founders in Business
• Delegates:
• Government of Canada
• Government of Ontario
• Government of Alberta
• Government of Quebec
• Governments from African Countries
• Representatives from Multilaterals Institutions
• Organization of Women in International Trade
• Diaspora Associations and Representative Groups
• Professional Organizations
• Canadian Chambers of Commerce
• Canadian Boards of Trade
• Colleges and Universities from other Countries
• Canadian Financial Institutions
• Diplomatic Embassies in Canada
• Private Sector Corporations
• Women-led Groups
• Youth Initiatives
• Small and Medium Enterprises
• Non-Profit Organisations

*FOA: Where Ideas Meet Opportunities.

Register for FOA 2026 Today:

Rules apply.

Images from: Casa Foundation-FOA 2017, FOA 2018

• Hon Suze Morrisson, Canadian Parliament addresses Delegates at FOA opening .
• FOA 2018: with Hon Boye Oyewunmi- Ondo State Government, Nigeria
• FOA 2017 African Forum: Nate Lowbeer-Lewis, MD, CPCS, Uganda; Arc. Olusola Oyelade, Principal, Casa Architects & Designs, Nigeria.

The Honorable Doug Ford

Premier, Government of Ontario, Canada addresses Delegates to FOA 2021

Full Video -

• Pic 1: FOA Team with Hon Navin Chandaria- Hon Consul General of Kenya.
• Pic 2: Startup Businesses @FOA 2017 Pitch Masters Candidates with Marlon Yarde, President of Barbados Stock Exchange and
• Julia Deans, President/ CEO of Futurpreneur, Canada
• FOA Pitch Presentation - 2017

FOA 2014 Keynotes

• Hon Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah: Minister of Presdency, Republic of Ghana
• Arc Olusola Oyelade: Chair, Casa Foundation
• Hon Han Dong: Member of Parliament and Min. of Univ. Traning, & Colleges, ON Canada at FOA 2014

Watch FOA 2018- Market Place

FOA 2018: Post Conference Meetings with Public sector-Government of Canada and Nigeria

• Hon Monte McNaughton, Minister of Infrastructure welcomes delegates to Queens Park, Government of Ontario office.
• Dr. Olutoyin Oyelade- representing CasaFoundation Board, and Government of Ondo State delegation led by
• His Excellency, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
• AfroCanadian Business Innovators @FOA MarketPlace.

FOA 2019- In Picture below:

• H.E Ambassador of Morroco in Canada: Madam Souriya Otmani
• Prof. Wendy Cukier- VP/ Director Diversity Institute @ Ryerson University, Canada
• Dr. Olutoyin Oyelade- President, Casa Foundation
• Hon Boye Oyewunmi- Special Adviser to Government of Ondo, Nigeria; Ondo Investments
• The Hon Jean Augustine: 1st Black MP/ Federal Minister, Canada
• The Hon Suze Morrison- Member of Parliament, Canada
• The Hon Faisal Ahmed- Member of Parliament, Canada
• Hon Hamid Hamdoucci- Special Adviser to the Kingdom of Morrocco,
• President/CEO MABI- Canada and Morroco
• Private Sector CEOs and Businesses.

Dont miss FOA 2021: Register Today

Info:
Westin Harbor Castle Conference Center, Toronto

Info: Vendor Exhibition- Entrepreneurs, Governments, Businesses

Info: Business Introductions, Networking and interactions

Info: International Business Expansion Session: How to set up your Business in Canada. Exploring the Impact of Education and Universities on Entrepreneurship and Careers by University Partners Questions and Answer: Immigrations Canada and Ontario Government

Info: Goodwill remarks, Opening Keynote mesage

Info: Accelerating Strategic
Partnerships: Role of Ecosystems and Indigenous groups

Info: Managing the Impact of Trade Tariffs

Info: Alternate Finance- Crown Corporations, Private Equity Funds, International Programs for Businesses

Info: Tea and Coffee break

Info: The Journey: Video of BAH and WEEx Founders in Class

Info: Goodwill and Presentation of Certificates

Info: Keynote 2 and goodwill messages

Info: 15 years service Awards

Info: Video, Testimonials (Ecosystem)

Info: Alumni, Friends Networking and Dance

Info: A National Pitch for Founders, Start Ups and Growth Businesses. Founders need to sign up for for BAH Accelerator or WEEx Incubator

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto, Canada

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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