08.00am – Registration and Networking

09.00am – Opening Plenary

Welcome Remark

Goodwill Messages

Keynote: Sustainable Peace: Finding lasting solution to conflicts in Sub-Saharan Africa – HRH Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abu Bakar, (Maj. Gen –Ret.)

9.30 am – Can Businesses Help Create Political Stability in Africa?

Speakers: Lamin Dampha (Permanent Secretary Ministry of Trade, The Gambia), Jacques Rajotte (Director, International Programs, Cuso International), Christopher Gore, PhD (Associate Professor Ryerson University), Brian Dodo (CEO, MAPP Africa)

10:00 Can Businesses Help Create Political Stability in Africa? — An Academic Perspective

Ifeanyi Ezeonu, PhD (Brock University), Nduka Otiono, (University of Alberta) Uwafiokun Idemudia(York University), Ian S. Spears (University of Guelph)

10.30 – Renewable Energy Investments and scaling power sector investments in Africa

Speakers: Amit Modi (Managing Director, Technical, CPCS Ventures) Michael Walsh (Principal and International Managing Director Midgard Consulting Inc).                                                       

11.00 am –       Doing Business in Africa – A Diplomatic Perspective

Speakers: H.E. Ambassador Sooroojdev Phokeer (The High Commissioner of Mauritius to the United States),

H.E. Boomo Frank Sofonia (High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Lesotho)

11.30 Enabling transformative climate action in cities: How can we ensure the adoption     of environmentally sustainable innovations in cities across the Commonwealth?

Speakers: Aaron Schroeder, P.Eng.(Brightspot Climate, Inc.), Jay Nordenstrom

(Executive Director, NAIMA Canada), Honourable Jeannie Hakongak Ehaloak (Minister of Justice and Environment of Nunavat), Christopher Bryant (Adjunct Professor, University of Montreal)

12-1 pm Lunch Break (Delegates are encouraged to visit Art Gallery and PureDiamond FAM Booth and other vendors

01.00pm – Increasing representation of Women in Boardroom, Parliament and Leadership: a crucial factor in the prosperity of the African continent

Marie-France Lalonde (MPP), Senator Wanda Elaine, Senator Thomas Bernard, Sophia Noor (Kenyan MP)

01.45pm – Laurel C. Broten (President and CEO of Nova Scotia Business Inc. Former Ontario Minister of Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Minister of Children and Youth Services, Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues, Minister of Education)

2.30pm – The Role of Digital Banking and Payments in Driving Financial Inclusion in    Africa: The Journey so Far and Future Potential

Speakers: Mark Wensley (Associate Director, Next Generation Technology and Market Linkage at Mastercard Foundation)

3.15pm – Investing in Canada: Where are the Opportunities

Speaker: Mr. Stephen Tapp (Deputy Chief Economist at Export Development Canada)

04.00pm – Industrializing African Agribusiness: Opportunities and Challenges

Keynote Interview: Dr. Stanford Blade (Dean University of Alberta)

Evening Session: Movie Screening

06.00pm – Movie Screening

6.30pm – Accidental Spy

8.00pm – New Money

Venue: Westin Harbour Castle Toronto

08.00am – Registration and Networking

09.00am – Welcome Remark

09.05am – Doing Business in Africa: The risks, rewards and challenges

Speakers: Mohammed Jagana (President, Gambia Chamber of Commerce),

09.45am – Can Blockchain Technology and Cryptocurrencies revolutionise Businesses in Africa And Help the Continent Tackle Unemployment

Speakers: Tracy Leparulo (CEO & Founder Untraceable Inc.), Alexia Hefti (Blockchain Tax Lead Deloitte), Mr. Hideyuki Abe

10.30am – Asia-Africa Crypto Currency Session – In Partnership with PureDiamond FAM

Chris Yang

11.30am    – Is China still good for Africa: Reviewing China’s Economic Engagement with Africa

Speakers: Dr. Gil Lan (Ryerson University Canada), H.E. Mr. John Lanyasunya, (High Commissioner of Kenya to Canada), Ron MacIntosh (Senior Fellow and Ottawa Chapter Representative China Institute, University of Alberta),

12.00pm – Can Sub-Saharan Africa Be a Manufacturing Destination?

Speakers: Prof. Mwinyikione Mwinyihija (Institutional Capacity Development and Consultancy Expert). Mr. Paul Maseli (UNIDO Representative to the United Nations)

12.45pm – The Role of Culture in Africa’s Development

Speakers: Mykel Parish Ajaere(Pan-African Arts Culture and Tourism Institute), Nigerian Artists Delegation

1.30pm – Lunch

2.15pm – Understanding Africa – The Playing Field, the Business Culture, The Countries and the     Corruption

Speakers: Audrey Makoti (Invest for Africa)

2.45pm – Technology and Innovation in Africa: How Can Canadian Companies Bring Value

Speakers: Ola Olasiyan (Country Director Nigeria DERMALOG Identification Systems GmbH), Sinmi Esene, (CEO, Daniola Global Resources)

3:15 pm TAF Canada Youth Forum       Speakers:  Frédéric Ngirabacu (Chief Operating Office, Entrepreneurism Foundation), Fahad Awad, Jessica Nguyen (President UOIT Student Union)

4:00 – Closing Keynote Address

05.00pm – Close of All Plenary Sessions and visit to exhibition area

06.00pm – Gala Dinner (To Be Held in the Westin’s Ballroom)

13th October – Day 5

09.00 – Study Visit and Tours to pre-arranged Canadian Institutions and Organisations

Study Tours for International Delegates to historical and other relevant sites and organisations