The Africa–China Centre for Policy & Advisory (ACCPA) and the Canadian Centre for African Affairs & Policy Research (CCAAPR) have jointly announced the launch of the Africa–China–Canada Dialogue Series on Global Partnerships and Cooperation, a multi-month virtual convening set to run from April to December 2026.
The Dialogue Series builds on the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions and represents a significant step toward fostering structured, forward-looking engagement on Africa’s evolving role in a rapidly changing global landscape. At a time when globalization is being reshaped by shifting geopolitical dynamics, supply chain realignments, and new forms of economic cooperation, the initiative seeks to provide a credible platform for inclusive and evidence-based policy dialogue across Africa, China, and Canada.
Bringing together policymakers, scholars, private sector leaders, and development practitioners, the series will explore the broader contours of global partnerships and cooperation, with a particular focus on how Africa can strategically position itself within emerging frameworks of engagement. Rather than approaching global interactions through narrow or adversarial lenses, the Dialogue Series aims to promote nuanced conversations that reflect the complexity of today’s multipolar world.
Commenting on the initiative, Paul Frimpong, Executive Director of ACCPA, stated:
“This Dialogue Series is both timely and strategic. As globalization continues to evolve, Africa must not only participate but actively shape the terms of engagement. Through this platform, we are creating space for meaningful conversations that bring together perspectives from Africa, China, and Canada in a way that is balanced, forward-looking, and grounded in policy relevance.”
He added:
“Our objective is to move beyond simplified narratives and contribute to a more structured understanding of how global partnerships can be harnessed to support sustainable development and long-term economic transformation.”
On his part, Templar Kalundu Iga, Executive Director of CCAAPR, emphasized the importance of strengthening cross-continental dialogue:
“Canada’s engagement with Africa is evolving within a broader global context, and it is essential that such engagement is informed by credible research and open dialogue. This series provides an important platform to explore the intersections between Africa, China, and Canada, while identifying areas where cooperation can be deepened in a practical and mutually beneficial manner.”
He further noted:
“By convening diverse voices across regions, we are contributing to a more balanced and constructive conversation on global partnerships and Africa’s place within them.”
Each session in the Dialogue Series will feature leading experts and practitioners and will generate insights, policy reflections, and knowledge products aimed at informing stakeholders across all three regions. The initiative is expected to serve not only as a platform for dialogue but also as a catalyst for deeper collaboration, research, and policy engagement.
Further details on the Dialogue Series can be accessed on ACCPA’s website at www.africachinacentre.org, or by contacting the team via email at sylvias@africachinacentre.org and f.akugri@ccaapr.ca
