Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has called for genuine collaboration between Africa and Canada, stressing that the continent does not need charity but partnerships rooted in fairness, transparency, and shared values.
Lawal made the call while delivering a keynote address at the Canada-Africa Trade and Investment Expo 2025, held on September 17 at the Toronto Marriott City Hotel in Canada.
The event, themed “Strengthening Canada-Africa Partnerships in Trade, Investment, and Sustainable Growth,” brought together policymakers and investors to foster closer ties between the two continents.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris today Thursday, Governor Lawal underscored Canada’s democratic traditions, robust economy, responsible mining practices, and innovative private sector as qualities that make it a natural partner for Africa.
He emphasized that the continent’s development lies not only in national policies but also in the actions of sub-national governments.
“While Federal Governments provide policy direction, it is within our States, provinces, and Local Governments that the promises of trade, investment, and growth must be translated into tangible realities,” Lawal said.
“This is why my presence here as Governor of Zamfara is deliberate, Africa’s renaissance will be driven as much by its States and provinces as by its capitals.”
Lawal highlights Zamfara’s strength
The governor highlighted agriculture and solid minerals as Zamfara’s key sectors for potential partnerships.
He noted that with over 70 percent of arable land, Zamfara could serve as a food basket for Nigeria and Africa, calling for collaborations in mechanization, irrigation, storage, and agro-industrial value chains.
On mining, he said the state is reforming regulations to promote responsible practices and ensure that mineral wealth, including gold, lithium, and manganese, benefits local communities and supports the global energy transition.
Lawal urged Canadian investors to look beyond Africa’s capitals to its farmlands, industries, and communities where real opportunities lie.
He also assured that his administration is reshaping governance in Zamfara to attract responsible partners through transparency, accountability, and sustainability.
