News release
Launch of the Canada-Africa Forum on the Port Industry and the Blue Economy
A new era of strategic cooperation begins in Moncton
Moncton, N.B., June 3, 2025 – With a view to diversifying trade partnerships and strengthening trade between Canada and Africa, Bridge-Bridge Canada, in partnership with UNI Financial Cooperation, officially launched the Canada-Africa Forum on the Port Industry and the Blue Economy – CAPBLEU 2025.
This event, which will be held from November 11 to 13, 2025 at the Delta Beauséjour in Moncton, marks a turning point in New Brunswick's strategic positioning on the transatlantic scale.
A structuring platform for Canada-Africa exchanges
CAPBLEU 2025 | BLUESHIFT 2025 is a space for dialogue, strategic reflection and networking between public, private and institutional actors from both continents. Its ambition is to:
- Contribute to the economic diversification of New Brunswick, which is currently 92% dependent on the U.S. market for its exports;
- To position the province as a maritime gateway to fast-growing African markets;
- Promote the emergence of a direct logistics corridor between Eastern Canada and Africa by 2029.
"This forum is a concrete response to the risks of over-dependence on the United States. It aims to make New Brunswick a hub for a new transatlantic trade corridor. - Yaye Peukassa, President and CEO of Pont-Bridge Canada
A response to contemporary geopolitical and economic challenges
The organizers intend, through this forum, to propose concrete solutions to the challenges related to global supply chains, port congestion, the ecological transition and the acceleration of maritime logistics. Discussions will focus on the levers of sustainable and mutually beneficial development in the context of a responsible and innovative blue economy.
The forum will also provide a platform of choice for local companies wishing to establish strategic partnerships with the African continent, and take advantage of the growing opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
"This is a strategic partnership that aims to provide New Brunswick businesses with concrete opportunities for international development, in a structured and supportive environment." - Éric St-Pierre, CEO of UNI Financial Cooperation
See you in the fall of 2025
The Canada-Africa Forum – CAPBLEU 2025 – will bring together high-level delegations from government organizations, investor groups, innovative companies and African institutions. The three days of the forum will be punctuated by conferences, sectoral panels, B2B meetings, thematic workshops, and a closing gala of high diplomatic value.
To consult the official press release: