July 25, 2025 – Ottawa, ON
Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development, Randeep Sarai, has wrapped up a comprehensive tour of Ethiopia and Tanzania, reinforcing the country’s commitment to sustainable development and economic cooperation in Africa. The visit, which took place from July 17 to 23, 2025, underscored Canada’s priorities in education, health, economic empowerment, gender equality, and climate resilience.
During his time in Ethiopia, Secretary Sarai engaged with senior officials from the Government of Ethiopia and the African Union, as well as project partners and community members. Key discussions centered around advancing Canada’s development priorities, including health, economic growth, peace and security, and continental health security.
The meeting with the director general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention marked a significant focus on tackling the continent’s pressing health challenges. Canada reaffirmed its support for sexual and reproductive health and rights at Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, alongside Ethiopia’s minister of health and representatives from the UN Population Fund.
Economic reform was also a key area of discussion, with meetings with the minister of finance aimed at deepening trade and investment ties between Canada and Ethiopia. The visit highlighted the importance of aligning economic reforms with development cooperation, as part of a broader trade-development nexus.
In addition to Ethiopia, Secretary Sarai’s visit to Tanzania focused on reinforcing Canada’s long-standing commitment to sustainable development and economic cooperation. He met with officials to underscore Canada’s priorities in health, education, economic empowerment, and inclusive development.
The tour included visits to key Canadian-supported programs aimed at poverty reduction, climate resilience, and women’s empowerment. Secretary Sarai witnessed the distribution of Canadian-manufactured vitamin A to children by Nutrition International, as well as the operations of an innovative maternal health project that is reducing deaths by connecting remote communities to emergency services.
These initiatives demonstrate Canada’s dedication to improving lives in Africa. By expanding its development focus and partnering with local organizations, Canada can make a meaningful impact on some of the continent’s most pressing challenges.
Africa Tours: Strengthening Development Partnerships
Key Highlights:
- Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development, Randeep Sarai, recently visited Ethiopia and Tanzania from July 17 to 23, 2025.
- The visit focused on education, health, economic empowerment, gender equality, and climate resilience in Africa.
- Canada reaffirmed its commitment to advancing health, economic growth, peace and security, and continental health security in the region.
Conclusion:
Secretary Sarai’s recent tour of Ethiopia and Tanzania underscores Canada’s dedication to strengthening development partnerships in Africa. By engaging with local officials, project partners, and community members, Canada can make a meaningful impact on some of the continent’s most pressing challenges. As Canada continues to expand its development focus, it is essential to prioritize collaboration, innovation, and community-driven solutions.