17th African Economic Summit (Friends of Africa-2027)

Connecting People, Ideas & Opportunities | Scaling Strategic Partnerships Across Borders

Casa Foundation is thrilled to announce the 17th Anniversary of the Friends of Africa (FOA 2027) African Economic Summit!

Building on the remarkable success of FOA 2026, we invite global leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, industry experts, and community partners to join us for another exciting year of networking, collaboration, innovation, and business opportunities.

Dates: October 27–28, 2027

Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Eastern Time)

Location: Online – Virtual Event Platform

Join us virtually for engaging discussions, business mentorship, pitch preparation, strategic partnership sessions, and opportunities to connect with industry leaders and entrepreneurs worldwide.

Dates: October 29–30, 2027

Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Eastern Time)

Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC), Downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada (venue confirmation pending)

Experience two days of inspiring keynote speeches, panel discussions, networking sessions, interactive workshops, a business marketplace, career fair, pitch competitions, and opportunities to connect with global business leaders.

The Friends of Africa (FOA) African Economic Summit, hosted by Casa Foundation, is a global platform dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship, international trade, investment, innovation, and strategic economic partnerships between Africa, Canada, and the global business community.

Celebrating its 17th anniversary, FOA 2027 will continue bringing together business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, academic institutions, and community organizations to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and unlock new opportunities for economic growth.

FOA: Where Ideas Meet Opportunities.

🎟️ Early Bird Registration Is Now Open — Secure Your Spot at FOA 2027!

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: Register Today

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

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 Youth groups

Info: Tea and Coffee break

Info: Closing

Info: Keynote 2 and goodwill messages

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 Remarks

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

Info: Presentations

Info: Keynote 2 and goodwill messages

Info: Video, Testimonials (Ecosystem)

Event venue & nearby stays

Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front Street West, Toronto, Canada

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

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