Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal is among top Nigerian officials expected to represent the country at the maiden Canada-Africa Investment Summit scheduled to hold in Toronto from August 10 to 15, 2026.
The summit, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, will focus on digital rails and inclusive growth, as well as opportunities for economic cooperation and investment between Africa and Canada.
Other members of the Nigerian delegation include the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo; Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum; Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani; and Plateau State Governor, Caleb Muftwang.
The delegation also includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; and Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, among others.
The statement said Governor Lawal’s participation followed an invitation from the Presidency, which recognised his role as a key participant in strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic engagement at the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Economic Conference (NDIEC).
It described the Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference (NIDEC) as a global platform that brings together governments, investors, multinational companies, development finance institutions, foundations and other stakeholders to establish strategic partnerships and explore investment opportunities.
According to the statement, the summit is expected to support the economic objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly through the National Energy Transition Plan and efforts to deepen Nigeria’s partnership with Canada in areas of economic development.
The Zamfara State Government said the summit would also provide an opportunity for the state to attract investments, technology transfer, development funding and technical partnerships.
It said Governor Lawal’s participation would help position Zamfara as an emerging hub for agribusiness, strategic minerals development, human capital development and digital innovation.
The statement quoted the Zamfara State Government as saying the summit was ‘more than just a diplomatic event,’ describing it as a strategic economic mission aimed at opening new opportunities for the state.
It added that the governor would use the platform to engage potential investors and development partners on opportunities that could contribute to the state’s economic transformation.
The summit is expected to bring together governments, investors and other stakeholders to explore areas of cooperation and investment between Canada and African countries.