From October 21 to 23, 2026, Ambassador Naby Laye Silla participated in the 20th edition of the Toronto Global Forum, held at the Fairmont Royal York. Centered on the theme « New Rules, New Opportunities, » this international gathering served as a prime venue for dialogue and exchange regarding economic and financial issues, as well as new prospects for international cooperation. A strategist, lobbyist, and negotiator with an impressive ability to build rapport, Ambassador Naby Laye Silla took the opportunity to engage with several prominent figures. His objective: to attract and mobilize investments—whether from the diaspora, local investors, or pan-African funds—to finance infrastructure, innovation, and businesses across Africa. It was an outstanding contribution, both strategic and vital to the continent’s economic development. Read on for details.
After attending the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group in Bangkok, Thailand, and subsequently returning to Canada, Ambassador Naby Laye Silla took an active part in the 20th edition of the Toronto Global Forum, held from October 21 to 23 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto, Canada.
Organized by the International Economic Forum of the Americas (IEFA), the event brought together approximately 1,400 delegates, including policymakers, business leaders, and central bankers from various countries.
Key topics addressed at the forum included the global economy, finance, geopolitics, artificial intelligence, energy, natural resources, technology, and defense.
Ambassador Naby Laye Silla ensured a significant presence at the event through rich and productive meetings with prominent figures, including business leaders, government ministers, and economic decision-makers such as Ontario Minister of Finance the Honorable Peter Berthlenfalvy, Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of International Trade; Michael McCain; Eric Desaulniers; Brian Tobin, Vice-Chair of the Board of BMO Financial Group; Daniel Gamba, Co-President and Head of Distribution at Franklin Templeton; Nicholas Rémillard, President and CEO of the International Economic Forum of the Americas; Mitchell Krebs, President, CEO, and Chair of the Board of Coeur Mining; the Honourable Colton LeBlanc, Minister of Growth, Trade and Consumer Protection (and Minister responsible for the Office of Regulatory Affairs and Service Effectiveness); Mark Selby, CEO of Canada Nickel Company; George Spezza, Director of Economic Development for the Niagara Region; Marie-Ève Sylvestre, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ottawa; Scott Balfour, President and CEO of Emera Inc.; and Éric Desaulniers, President and CEO of Nouveau Monde Graphite.
Ambassador Naby Laye Silla has successfully identified the right types of investors and helped remove barriers to investment in Africa.
To reassure and persuade investors, he focused on highlighting transparency and governance, risk mitigation, and the combination of profitability and positive impact. He demonstrated that Africa offers not only competitive financial returns but also a significant social impact—through job creation and financial inclusion—all while leveraging strategic channels.
Launched in 2006 and organized by the FEIA in association with Integra Capital, the Toronto Global Forum (TGF) brings together international leaders from the business, government, and civil society sectors to debate the major challenges—and the resulting opportunities—facing the global economy today.
Ericien Pascal
