Foreign Affairs committee  I think it is extremely important to have a clear policy for the Africa strategy, with a specific timeline, specific goals and indicators of success.

Foreign Affairs committee  Thank you so much for the opportunity to engage. I will say hello to John. His office is not far from mine. That's an extremely important question, because the most fragile countries are also the ones where we have the highest concentration of poverty, especially extreme poverty, and where extreme poverty is also likely to grow in the coming decades.

Foreign Affairs committee  Climate change, if not a direct cause of geopolitical instability, has a major impact, especially in the Sahel region. One of my colleagues and I published a paper on this in the Brookings Institution. I am also the main author of the recent report by the United Nations Development Programme, or UNDP, which explains the links between climate change and the sustainable development solution.

Foreign Affairs committee  Thank you so much. It's an extremely important question. I think the focus should be trade and investment. African countries need more trade and investment, and I think that is what provides the best mutual interests between African and Canadian corporations, but also citizens.

Foreign Affairs committee  Several risks have to be acknowledged when it comes to Africa. One of the most important ones is the political risk. In many countries, even those where it was least expected, there have been coups d'état and disruptions in the constitutional order. Risks of that nature must be taken into account when engaging in economic relationships in Africa.

Foreign Affairs committee  Yes, absolutely. First off, thank you. I am impressed that you have read some of my writings before this meeting. It is a great honour. One of the founders of the Thunderbird School of Global Management said: “Borders frequented by trade seldom need soldiers.” That means that trade between two countries reduces the likelihood of conflict.

Foreign Affairs committee  Greetings, and thank you very much. Chair Ali Ehsassi, Vice-Chair Michael Chong, Vice-Chair Stéphane Bergeron and distinguished members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, I am incredibly honoured and grateful for the unique opportunity to testify on Canada's approach to Africa.