Prime Minister Mark Carney is setting off Tuesday evening on a nearly week-long diplomatic and economic mission to the United Arab Emirates and South Africa — his first official visit to both countries since taking office — with a clear goal: attract global capital and strengthen Canada’s partnerships with two of the world’s most influential emerging markets.
Senior officials who briefed reporters said the trip is designed to deepen diplomatic ties, boost trade, and secure investment for major Canadian priorities such as clean energy, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and infrastructure.
Carney, who declared in the federal budget his intention to double non-U.S. exports within the next decade, sees the UAE and South Africa as key to diversifying Canada’s economic future.
Abu Dhabi: A Strategic Opening to Global Capital
Carney’s first stop is Abu Dhabi, where he will meet privately with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan — a historic encounter marking the first visit by a Canadian prime minister since Pierre Trudeau in 1983.
Officials describe the UAE as a gateway to broader markets across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. With its massive sovereign wealth funds and rapidly expanding influence in global finance, Abu Dhabi is seen as a critical partner for Canada’s nation-building projects.
Carney will also meet with top investors and Industry and Advanced Technology Minister Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, and deliver a keynote address aimed at unlocking new economic opportunities.
Negotiations toward a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) have been underway for some time, and while officials won’t say whether a deal will be finalized on this trip, expectations are high.
Two-way trade between Canada and the UAE hit $3.4 billion last year, and more than 150 Canadian companies already operate in the region. But experts note Canada has lagged behind other G7 countries in fully seizing oppor
Johannesburg: Major Economic Agreements on the Table
After the UAE, Carney heads to South Africa, landing in Johannesburg for talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Canada is hoping to finalize what senior officials call a “substantial package” of agreements, focusing on agriculture, natural resources, critical minerals, technology, and future energy cooperation. The Canadian Press has reported that discussions include a potential gas-for-wine deal that could boost bilateral trade.
Two-way trade between both countries totalled $2.9 billion last year.
Carney’s visit coincides with the Global Fund Replenishment meetings, and aid groups are urging Canada to contribute at least $1.3 billion to global efforts against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Officials say they are aware of the expectations but have not committed to a specific amount.
Carney’s First G20 as Prime Minister
Carney will wrap up his trip at the G20 summit — the first ever hosted on African soil. The Canadian delegation, including Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, will push for global investment mobilization, clean energy cooperation, sustainable finance, and climate resilience.
Notably, this year’s summit will have a smaller group of major economies at the table. President Donald Trump is boycotting the meeting, as are leaders from China, Russia, Mexico, and Argentina.
Despite this, officials say the G20 remains essential for Canada at a time of profound global uncertainty.
“For Canada, the G20 remains crucial — especially as we navigate economic and geopolitical shifts at this scale,” one senior official said.
Carney is also hoping for multiple bilateral meetings on the sidelines, though the lineup remains fluid.
Ahead of the summit, Johannesburg has undergone an intense beautification push, with roads repaved, street lighting fixed, and landscaping refreshed along VIP routes.