Three days of strategic content, high-level exchanges and targeted meetings.
Discover the full program of CAPBLEU2025 | BLUESHIFT2025, punctuated by technical visits, high-level conferences, thematic workshops, B2B meetings and strategic networking events.
Forum Program
Icebreaker to allow participants to meet and make initial contacts before the official start of the forum.
As the global economy, including the Canadian economy, undergoes a profound transformation brought about by the new U.S. administration, the need to adapt to environmental changes requires a strategy of diversification and exploration of new markets for New Brunswick and Canadian companies. How can governments and businesses navigate the complexities of geopolitical tensions while ensuring a just and sustainable economic transition? How can Africa and the AfCFTA, constituting the largest interconnected market on our planet with a growing middle class, represent a serious alternative for businesses in Canada and New Brunswick?
As tariff tensions with the U.S. continue to restrict access to traditional markets, Africa is emerging as a strategic destination for New Brunswick exporters. This $9 billion market offers significant opportunities for products such as plywood, paper, furniture and other processed forest products. This session explores concrete export opportunities, potential partnerships, as well as strategies for entering African markets, in the context of redefining global supply chains.
As tariff tensions between Canada and the U.S. weaken some supply chains and expose Canadian businesses to increasing uncertainty, market diversification is becoming a strategic necessity. This frank and interactive dialogue between seasoned entrepreneurs and international trade specialists will explore the concrete opportunities offered by Africa's growing markets. Panelists will share proven strategies for entering these emerging markets, avoiding common pitfalls, and leveraging sectoral complementarities between Canada and several African economies.
Africa, with seafood imports of nearly $9 billion, represents a strategic and growing market for Canada. This session will explore the opportunities and challenges of agri-food trade between the two regions, addressing key aspects of logistics, certifications, sanitary standards and technical barriers to trade. The discussions will also highlight the need to develop efficient and sustainable supply chains to maximize Canadian exports to the African continent. Beyond volume issues, particular attention will be paid to investment in the local processing of products, particularly fisheries, in order to promote value creation on the continent.
In a rapidly changing global context, Africa is emerging as a strategic partner for Canada in redefining transcontinental trade. As many African states seek to strengthen their economic and diplomatic sovereignty, while diversifying their partnerships, a window of opportunity is opening for Canada. This session explores the levers of renewed economic cooperation, in key sectors such as energy, agribusiness, infrastructure, green technologies and education. At the dawn of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), these exchanges are increasingly part of a regional and integrated logic.
At a time when global supply chains are being redefined, ports play a strategic role in transatlantic trade. This panel brings together port general managers and a shipowner to discuss the challenges and opportunities related to the optimization of maritime corridors between Africa, Canada and North America. The panelists will address issues related to port competitiveness, the profitability of the line, the energy and digital transitions, maritime safety and infrastructure resilience. An essential discussion to anticipate the future of maritime trade in a changing world.
Faced with the challenges of sustainable development, blended finance is emerging as a strategic tool to catalyze private investment in projects with a high social and environmental impact. This session explores how institutions such as IFC, FMO, FinDev Canada, and others are mobilizing capital through hybrid models. Discussions will focus on risk-sharing mechanisms, structuring impact investments, and the conditions for success for sustainable public-private partnerships, particularly in the infrastructure, renewable energy and financial inclusion sectors in Africa and Canada.
A break allowing participants to network and exchange informally.
The consolidation of a direct and profitable shipping line between West African markets and Eastern Canada represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen trade, secure supply chains and accelerate economic integration between the two major economic blocs. This session explores the logistical, financial and regulatory feasibility conditions of such a service, while highlighting port partnerships, potential trade flows, and impacts for SME importers/exporters. Shipowners, experts, port operators and logisticians will discuss viable models for building sustainable, inclusive and competitive maritime connectivity between the two continents.
Special Economic Zones (SEZs) play a central role in the logistical and commercial attractiveness of ports. In Africa as in Canada, they are becoming catalysts for industrial development, jobs and foreign investment. This session examines the synergies between SEZs and port infrastructures: how to optimize their integration to boost competitiveness, reduce logistics costs and strengthen regional value chains? Through case studies and exchanges between public decision-makers, investors and port area managers, this discussion will highlight the success factors for efficient and resilient economic hubs.
A key player in transnational trade, the African diaspora in Canada is positioned as a strategic lever to accelerate economic integration between the two sides of the Atlantic. Through investment, entrepreneurship, skills transfer and intercultural mediation, it strengthens trade and diplomatic bridges between Canada and Africa. This session will highlight concrete initiatives, inspiring testimonies and public policies promoting diaspora engagement in economic diplomacy, while exploring ways to amplify its impact in trade corridors, regional value chains and shared innovation projects and strengthen sustainable trade ties between the two continents.
Plenary session in Fireside Chat format allowing participants to continue the exchanges during lunch.
Africa offers exceptional growth potential for Canadian companies, but establishing a presence there requires a structured, cultural and strategic approach. This session offers a journey in 8 essential steps to succeed in a commercial expansion on the continent: from market research to the selection of local partners, including regulatory compliance, financing, risk management, intercultural understanding and adaptation of the offer. Experts, entrepreneurs and institutional representatives will share their concrete experiences to help companies build sustainable strategies and avoid common mistakes in internationalization to Africa.
Modern ports are no longer mere transit points, but real logistics and industrial hubs at the heart of economic growth. This session explores how port infrastructure, well integrated with trade corridors and economic zones, can stimulate private investment, attract industries and increase trade. Through case studies in Africa and Canada, speakers will analyze the conditions for ports to be catalysts for economic transformation, regional competitiveness and value creation in global supply chains.
Port cities, as commercial hubs, play a key role in local and regional economic development. This session explores the importance of decentralized cooperation and strategic twinning between port cities to strengthen economic exchanges, improve infrastructure and foster innovation. Based on examples of successful partnerships between port cities in Africa, Canada and elsewhere, the speakers will discuss cooperation models to stimulate trade flows, facilitate port management, and develop joint infrastructure projects, while promoting the exchange of best practices and know-how.
While ports are key nodes in global trade, they are also among the major sources of greenhouse gas emissions. This session explores port decarbonization strategies as a lever for more sustainable trade between Canada and Africa. Experts, port managers and industrialists will present concrete initiatives: electrification of quays, alternative fuels, smart logistics and partnerships for the ecological transition. The objective is clear: to reconcile economic competitiveness and environmental responsibility to build greener and more resilient trade corridors.
The restoration of marine habitat is at the heart of the challenges of the sustainable blue economy. This session will present the BlueHome project, an innovative initiative focused on the regeneration of coastal ecosystems degraded by human activities. Through technological and biological solutions, BlueHome recreates marine habitats that are conducive to biodiversity, while supporting coastal communities. The panel will explore opportunities for Africa–Canada collaboration to replicate these models on a larger scale. The objective: to integrate ecological restoration into port and maritime strategies, linking economic development, environmental protection and climate resilience.
The Port of Belledune in New Brunswick is positioning itself as a leader in the energy transition through its Green Energy Hub initiative. This session will highlight the port's ambitions, ongoing partnerships and opportunities for cooperation with African ports around clean energy.
A break allowing participants to network and exchange informally.
The international expansion of Canadian distribution chains such as Lob Laws or Coop represents a strategic gateway for producers wishing to export to Africa. This session will highlight how these brands, by entering new African markets, are creating direct opportunities for Canadian agro-processors, farmers and cooperatives. Logistics, export standards, supply adaptation, local partnerships: the speakers will explore the levers to be activated to integrate these distribution networks and sustainably position Canadian products in African supply chains.
Official closing of the second day of the forum with the closing remarks.
Opening plenary session of the third day in Fireside Chat format.
Ports, as major logistics hubs, generate a wide variety of waste (solid, liquid, hazardous) that, if not managed effectively, threatens marine ecosystems and public health. This session explores how the innovative and integrated treatment of port waste can become a real lever for sustainability. Through African and Canadian examples, speakers will discuss circular models, green technologies, regulatory frameworks and public-private partnerships that can transform waste management into a driver of the environmental, economic and social performance of ports.
At the interface between global economic flows and local dynamics, ports profoundly shape the cities that host them. This session explores new approaches to port development that integrate urban, social and environmental issues. How can we reconcile logistics development, urban quality of life and climate resilience? Urban planners, port managers and elected officials will share innovative models of port-city integration in Africa and Canada, focusing on the harmonious coexistence of industrial, residential and recreational spaces. The objective: to build more inclusive, connected and sustainable port territories.
Ports, a key driver of global trade, require a skilled workforce to meet the challenges of digitalization, decarbonization, and operational efficiency. This session looks at the importance of education and continuing education to prepare workers for the new skills required in the port industry. Experts in training, port management and skills development will discuss partnerships between ports, educational institutions and businesses to build a sustainable workforce, capable of supporting technological developments and port sustainability goals in Africa and Canada.
While African maritime routes account for more than 95% of the continent's trade, maritime piracy remains a major challenge for the security of transatlantic flows. With 22 incidents recorded in 2023 in the Gulf of Guinea and an upsurge in attacks reported in 2024 in the Horn of Africa, the issue of security is becoming strategic for any logistical cooperation between Africa and Canada. This panel will bring together maritime security experts, port authorities, representatives of naval forces, and shipowners to identify concrete solutions to strengthen the resilience of maritime corridors. It will address good prevention practices (AIS surveillance, secure corridors, reporting), multilateral partnerships (Yaoundé Code of Conduct, Operation Atalanta, Task Force 151) as well as the training and equipment needs for ports and ships operating in sensitive areas.
As African countries accelerate their energy transition, Canadian companies have recognized expertise in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and clean technology. Yet, business opportunities remain largely untapped. This session will discuss concrete ways to strengthen the export of Canadian energy solutions to Africa: technical expertise, public-private partnerships, financing and innovation. It will highlight the benefits of a sustainable transatlantic energy pact, while identifying levers to better position Canada as a strategic partner in Africa's energy transition.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) opens up an integrated market of 1.4 billion consumers. This session aims to decode the content of the agreement, the status of its ratification and the progress of its implementation. It will analyze how Canadian companies can take advantage of this by adapting their strategies to enter the African market. Through concrete examples, the speakers will explore the investment opportunities, promising sectors and winning partnerships to be developed in this new pan-African trade framework.
A break allowing participants to network and exchange informally.
The consolidation of a direct and profitable shipping line between West African markets and Eastern Canada represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen trade, secure supply chains and accelerate economic integration between the two major economic blocs. This session explores the logistical, financial and regulatory feasibility conditions of such a service, while highlighting port partnerships, potential trade flows, and impacts for SME importers/exporters. Shipowners, experts, port operators and logisticians will discuss viable models for building sustainable, inclusive and competitive maritime connectivity between the two continents.
Special Economic Zones (SEZs) play a central role in the logistical and commercial attractiveness of ports. In Africa as in Canada, they are becoming catalysts for industrial development, jobs and foreign investment. This session examines the synergies between SEZs and port infrastructures: how to optimize their integration to boost competitiveness, reduce logistics costs and strengthen regional value chains? Through case studies and exchanges between public decision-makers, investors and port area managers, this discussion will highlight the success factors for efficient and resilient economic hubs.
A key player in transnational trade, the African diaspora in Canada is positioned as a strategic lever to accelerate economic integration between the two sides of the Atlantic. Through investment, entrepreneurship, skills transfer and intercultural mediation, it strengthens trade and diplomatic bridges between Canada and Africa. This session will highlight concrete initiatives, inspiring testimonies and public policies promoting diaspora engagement in economic diplomacy, while exploring ways to amplify its impact in trade corridors, regional value chains and shared innovation projects and strengthen sustainable trade ties between the two continents.
Plenary session in Fireside Chat format allowing participants to continue the exchanges during lunch.
In the face of geopolitical developments and new trade dynamics, New Brunswick businesses are facing new challenges in maintaining their share, opening up new markets, new sources of supply and developing their growth. What are the impacts of U.S. protectionist measures on NB's export markets and trade relations? How can SMEs diversify their export markets? Could Africa help reduce their dependence and seize new opportunities?
With a young population, rapid urbanization and a rise in the middle classes, Africa is becoming a strategic market for brewing products. In this context, Canadian know-how in processing, fermentation, quality control and industrial equipment represents a major opportunity for commercial and technical cooperation. This panel will explore how Canadian companies can contribute to the structuring of a successful brewing ecosystem in Africa: technology transfer, raw material sourcing, training, standardization, packaging and distribution. The objective is to bring out new Canada-Africa dynamics in the alcoholic beverage sector, positioning Canada as a key player in African brewing development.
With nearly 321 million French-speaking people in the world, the majority of whom are in Africa, the Francophonie represents a natural business community and a powerful lever for economic cooperation. In the port, maritime and logistics sectors, this linguistic and cultural proximity makes it possible to accelerate trade, facilitate trade negotiations and strengthen South-North partnerships. This panel will bring together representatives of governments, chambers of commerce, French-speaking organizations, as well as companies involved in the port, logistics, technology and maritime sectors. It will highlight opportunities for co-investment, integration of value chains and shared innovation within the Francophone economic space.
The international expansion of Canadian distribution chains such as Lob Laws or Coop represents a strategic gateway for producers wishing to export to Africa. This session will highlight how these brands, by entering new African markets, are creating direct opportunities for Canadian agro-processors, farmers and cooperatives. Logistics, export standards, supply adaptation, local partnerships: the speakers will explore the levers to be activated to integrate these distribution networks and sustainably position Canadian products in African supply chains.
Official closing of the Africa-Canada Forum on the Port Industry and the Blue Economy CAPBLEUE 2025.
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