Accelerate Auto Co-Sponsors Empire Nights Discussion on Canada–Africa–Caribbean Trade Opportunities
TORONTO, ON — March 2026 — Accelerate Auto joined the Empire Club of Canada and the Insurance Bureau of Canada as a Lead Sponsor of Empire Nights: Africa, the Caribbean and Canada – Unlocking Growth Across the New Trade Frontier, a high-level economic discussion held February 26, 2026 at the Empire Club of Canada.
The event convened leaders from finance, government, international trade, and industry to explore emerging opportunities for collaboration and investment between Canada, Africa, and the Caribbean, focusing on the regulatory, economic, and institutional frameworks needed to translate global opportunity into sustainable growth.
The evening featured a keynote address by Dexter John, Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA), followed by a panel discussion moderated by Christopher K. Nabeta, Director of OEM Sales & Strategy Canada at TD Auto Finance, Executive Chairman of Accelerate Auto, and Empire Club Board Member.
Panelists included:
Nimal Amitirigala, President, Grace Foods Canada
The Honourable Arielle Kayabaga, Member of Parliament for London West
Nickolas Steele, Former Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Business of Grenada
Together, the speakers explored how Canada can strengthen its role as a strategic partner across African and Caribbean markets by leveraging strengths in finance, infrastructure, education, technology, and talent development.
“Global economic growth requires more than short-term deals; it requires strong systems for sustainable partnerships,” said Shannon Miller, Executive Director of Accelerate Auto. “As a Lead Sponsor, Accelerate Auto is proud to convene leaders from across Canada, Africa, and the Caribbean to share insights, explore challenges, and define practical strategies for building long-term collaboration that benefits both people and industries.”
The discussion addressed several key themes, including:
Practical pathways for strengthening Canada–Africa–Caribbean trade and investment
Regulatory and financial realities shaping cross-regional partnerships
Strategies to convert emerging opportunities into long-term economic impact
The importance of building people-to-people and institutional relationships to strengthen global trade networks
The role of talent development, innovation, and inclusive growth in supporting sustainable economic collaboration
Moderator Christopher K. Nabeta guided the conversation around how governments, financial institutions, and private-sector leaders can work together to build durable economic partnerships that expand opportunity while fostering equitable growth.
Events such as Empire Nights highlight the growing importance of cross-regional collaboration as global industries adapt to shifting economic dynamics and emerging markets. For sectors such as mobility and automotive, international trade relationships play an important role in shaping investment flows, workforce development, and innovation ecosystems.
Accelerate Auto’s involvement in the event reflects the organization’s broader commitment to convening cross-sector leaders and supporting dialogue that strengthens economic opportunity, talent development, and global collaboration.
About Accelerate Auto
Accelerate Auto is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing Black representation across Canada’s automotive industry. Through initiatives focused on awareness, development, mentorship, and community, Accelerate Auto connects talent with industry opportunities while supporting professional growth and workforce development across the sector.
For more information, visit www.accelerateauto.ca
Media Contact
Shannon Miller
Executive Director
Accelerate Auto
shannon.miller@accelerateauto.ca