Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has emphasized that Africa is not seeking charity but genuine partnerships built on mutual respect, fairness, and shared values. He made the call while delivering the keynote address at the Canada-Africa Trade and Investment Expo 2025, held on September 17, 2025.
Speaking on the theme, “Strengthening Canada-Africa Partnerships in Trade, Investment and Sustainable Growth”, Lawal noted that despite geographical distance, both continents share aspirations for prosperity, innovation, and sustainability. He highlighted Canada’s democratic traditions, strong economy, responsible mining culture, and innovative private sector as qualities that make it a natural ally for Africa.
The governor stressed that while national governments provide overall policy direction, it is at the state, provincial, and local government levels that trade and investment must translate into real development. He explained that Zamfara State is deliberately reforming its governance structures and investment environment to attract responsible and transparent partners committed to sustainable development.
Agriculture, he said, remains the backbone of Zamfara’s economy. With over 70% of its arable land, the state could emerge as a major food hub for Nigeria and Africa, provided investments in mechanisation, irrigation, post-harvest management, storage, and agro-industrial value chains are scaled up.
Beyond agriculture, Lawal outlined Zamfara’s rich mineral resources, including gold, lithium, manganese, and granite—key elements in the global energy transition. He assured that his administration is determined to avoid the mistakes of the past by ensuring that resource wealth translates into prosperity for the people rather than unchecked exploitation.
“We are strengthening regulations, promoting responsible mining, and ensuring that local communities benefit directly,” Lawal declared, adding that sustainable resource governance is central to his administration’s vision.
The governor urged Canadian partners to look beyond Africa’s capitals to its heartlands—farms, schools, industries, and communities— where true partnerships can thrive. He also called on African leaders, including himself, to embrace reforms, uphold transparency, and strengthen governance as the foundation for meaningful collaboration.
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