Uche Okugo is a Social Entrepreneur and Founder of the Network of Nigerians in Canada (NNC), a non-profit organization fostering diversity and inclusion through programs that promote economic and leadership development.

A champion of community initiatives, Uche played a key role in securing a City of Brampton Proclamation for Nigeria’s Democracy Day and organizing the Nigeria Independence Day flag-raising at Queen’s Park. He serves on the Brampton Mayor’s Black Advisory Council, is a past President of both the Rotary Club of Brampton and the City of Brampton Toastmasters Club, and will become Rotary District 7080 Governor in 2026.

Uche recently joined the Board of William Osler Health System Foundation to support efforts to expand healthcare infrastructure in Brampton. Professionally, he leads the Investment Attraction desk for Africa and the Caribbean at the City of Brampton’s Economic Development Office.

His educational qualifications include degrees in Civil Engineering and Business Administration, along with certifications in leadership, economic development, and financial trading. He shares his inspiring journey in this exclusive interview.

What inspired your focus on Africa and the Caribbean markets in economic development?

It started from my initial days in Rotary when I learnt about our then six areas of focus, which included Community Economic Development. I saw projects conducted worldwide through collaborative funding and matching grants. I saw the great impact it had on communities, and I knew that my community, the Black community, could do with a lot of such endeavours.

Fast forward to the founding and programs of the Network of Nigerians in Canada, NNC, as well as when I was the President of the Rotary Club of Brampton, we strategized around this area of focus and expanded our reach to include stakeholders in the public and private sectors, developing relationships through tours, events, information sessions and small business support. Then I got to know the Economic Development team at the City of Brampton, and when the opportunity came to be a part of them, I took it.

Why is Brampton uniquely positioned as a gateway for businesses expanding into North America?

With favourable geography (close to Pearson Airport – Canada’s largest and busiest airport and close to Highway 401 – the world’s busiest highway) and vibrant demographics,

Brampton is also Canada’s fastest growing big city. We have thriving sectors like Advanced Manufacturing, Innovation & Technology, Medical Technology, as well as Food & Beverage

Processing & Packaging. We are also big on Logistics and Cybersecurity, with an Innovation District that’s accredited by IEDC – International Economic Development Council.

We are  also one of Canada’s top 20 locations to invest, with an S&P Global AAA rating – the highest level there is, for the last eight consecutive years. With incubator, accelerator and  academic programs designed to support businesses, we also boast one of the youngest populations in Canada, with a median age of 36, and average age of new immigrants under 24! We are also highly educated, with 60% of brampton residents having a post-secondary education. Brampton is also in the middle of North America’s second largest technology cluster, which has access to hundreds of thousands of companies and professionals.

Being in the Greater Toronto Area, GTA, businesses have immediate access to over seven million people.

Can you share a recent success story of a business you’ve supported in its expansion?

Being in the right places and having the right contacts is key to the success of investment attraction. I was introduced to this company which was interested in and preparing for one of our incubator programs through the Start Up Visa (SUV) program.

Through our various support models and the richness of the program, we guided them to the establishment and today, TempHo is a successful property technology company with an office in Brampton and operations in and around the GTA. We work with various industries best to ensure a well-rounded support structure for our businesses from “cradle to stable”, with periodic follow-ups.

What challenges do businesses from Africa and the Caribbean face when  entering the North American market, and how do you address them?

African and Caribbean businesses face significant challenges entering the North American market, including cultural and regulatory differences, limited market understanding, access to financing, weak networks, logistical hurdles, and language barriers. These issues affect their ability to navigate regulations, understand consumer behavior, secure funding, and establish partnerships.

To support these businesses, we provide access to grants and funding opportunities from organizations like Afrexim Bank and the International Trade Centre. Locally, resources such as the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre, provincial programs, sector managers, and networking events help businesses build connections and capacity. We also leverage trade agreements and partnerships with trade organizations to facilitate market entry, growth, and competitiveness.

What role does Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) play in Brampton’s economic growth strategy?

Brampton’s economic growth strategy focuses on driving investments into our priority sectors. FDI plays a vital role in this regard, as it focuses on generating leads and driving investments into Bampton from the focus sectors, or sectors of interest, including:

• Advanced Manufacturing: Brampton has a strong foundation in advanced manufacturing, with a vast industrial base and access to a skilled workforce.

• Health and Life Sciences: Brampton is part of Ontario’s life sciences ecosystem, offering access to a community research hospital, clinical trials, and a supportive local government.

• Innovation and Technology: Brampton is located in the centre of the Toronto, Waterloo Innovation Corridor, making it an attractive location for innovation and technology companies.

• Food and Beverage: Brampton has a thriving food and beverage sector, with access to industry-leading technology and a highly skilled workforce. To attract FDI, Brampton offers various incentives, including Business Incentives, Tax Incentives, and Streamlined Permitting to help businesses get up and running quickly. Overall, FDI plays a crucial role in Brampton’s economic growth strategy by attracting investment, creating jobs, and driving innovation in priority sectors.

How do your information sessions and tours impact the perception of Brampton among international business leaders?

Our information sessions provide insights into Brampton’s demographics, sectors, business environment, location advantages, and livability. These sessions also include Q&A opportunities and often lead to tours and interactions with our innovation district partners, showcasing the robust support ecosystem for businesses and investors. Key partners include:

Brampton Entrepreneur Centre (BEC): Offers co-working space, free business consultations, and resources for local entrepreneurs.

BHIVE – International Start-up Incubator: Supports foreign start-ups via the start-up visa program, providing mentorship, funding access, and co-working space.

Brampton Venture Zone: A partnership with Toronto Metropolitan University to support early-stage tech startups with mentorship, funding, and industry connections.

Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst: A global hub for cybersecurity training, entrepreneurship, and research, offering programs for individuals and organizations.

Altitude Accelerator: An innovation hub fostering tech growth in sectors like Advanced Manufacturing, IoT, and Life Sciences.

With partnerships including Sheridan College and Algoma University, Brampton’s Innovation District is IEDC-accredited as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO)—one of only 70 globally, out of 4 million cities worldwide.

 What do your awards, such as MIPAD 100 and Preponderant Top 25, mean to you personally and professionally?

Being recognized by MIPAD as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Export and Trade, and by Preponderant as one of 25 People Shaping Canada-Africa Relations, is an honour that strengthens my resolve to advance Economic Development through trade, investment, and policy. Recent milestones, such as Canada’s Economic Cooperation Strategy consultations and the visa-free inclusion of five Caribbean countries, highlight progress.

The memorandum formalizing Canada’s relationship with the African Union Commission further reinforces our commitment to fostering stronger Canada-Africa-Caribbean ties. I remain dedicated to creating visibility and driving impactful outcomes in these relations.

How do you see your work shaping Canada-Africa-Caribbean relations in the future?

Through consistent engagement with stakeholders, the goal is to make doing business in Canada from Africa and the Caribbean as seamless as within CUSMA. Key initiatives include:

AfCFTA: The largest free trade deal since WTO, expected to be fully implemented by 2035, with Canada participating in quarterly forums.

FIPAs: Agreements with African countries like Senegal and Zambia ensure equal treatment for foreign and domestic investors.

High-Level Dialogues: Canada and the African Union Commission engage to advance shared priorities.

Pan-African Trade Hub: Canada is developing this hub to strengthen economic ties with Africa.

Economic Cooperation Strategy: Launched in 2023 to foster sustainable and inclusive trade with Africa.

CARIBCAN: Allows duty-free exports from 18 Caribbean countries but is being replaced by a reciprocal free trade agreement.

Canada-CARICOM Partnership: Focuses on climate change, security, and economic growth through summits and dialogue.

Uche, how do you think your meetings with key leaders like the Nigeria High  Commissioner and the Diaspora Commission Head have impacted your journey?

Over the course of my journey in Canada – as an Economic Development Practitioner, a Rotarian and a Social Entrepreneur – I have been privileged to have met quite an array of leaders in the private and public sectors. I have met with top Canadian government officials, including the Prime Minister of Canada and Mayors of some of the big cities in Canada, like Mayors of Brampton, Toronto, Kitchener, Halifax, and Mississauga.

I have met with and hosted Premier Doug Ford, MPPs, Speaker of the Ontario Legislative Assembly, MPs, Speaker of the Canada House of Commons, Captains of Industries, including CEOs and Founders, and hosted international delegations comprising High Commissioners, Consuls General and House of Assembly members. During an official trip to Kenya last year, I met with the country’s Deputy President, and by virtue of my social activities with the Nigerian community, I have also met and hosted the CEO of Nigeria Diaspora Commission NiDCOM and visited the Nigeria High Commissioner in Ottawa, as well as the succeeding Chargé D’affaires. Every engagement has been a unique experience for me and has contributed immensely to my ongoing learning curve.

What advice would you give to emerging professionals interested in economic development and investment attraction?

Economic Development is a dynamic profession with a broad impact. During last year’s International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Week, I was spotlighted as an Economic Development Coordinator for FDI in African and Caribbean markets at the City of Brampton. I shared, “Economic Development creates a ripple effect: supporting businesses helps them grow, generate jobs, pay taxes, and give back to the community. What better way to be a professional than as an Economic Developer?”

For emerging professionals, I recommend embracing personal development and continuous learning through programs offered by institutions and organizations like IEDC, EDAC, and EDCO. Stay informed on trade and investment trends, engage with white papers, participate in industry dialogues, and seek mentorship for deeper insights and growth.