When Uche Okugo moved to Canada, he didn’t anticipate becoming a strategic conduit between African entrepreneurs and one of Ontario’s fastest-growing cities. But today, as the Coordinator for African and Caribbean Markets at Brampton’s Economic Development Office, Uche is doing exactly that.
In this exclusive interview, he walks us through the highs, hurdles, and human stories behind a growing wave of African-led businesses setting up in Brampton. What started as an individual relocation journey has now become a continent-spanning opportunity for others.
Can you tell us about your journey into the economic development role at the City of Brampton?
Uche: When I landed in Canada, my background was in civil engineering. However, due to the way the profession is regulated here, it takes time to fully integrate into the system as an engineer. You have to go through a bridging program, take several examinations, and the entire process can take several months, or even longer. There really isn’t a set timeframe; it varies widely.
Before coming to Canada, I was advised to arrive with an open mind. I was told there were many opportunities and that you could pivot into different career paths if needed. I initially found an engineering-related role in facility services and currently work with the City of Brampton.
While working there, I joined the Rotary Club of Brampton, which is part of Rotary International. One of Rotary’s key focus areas is community economic development, which resonated with me. It exposed me to the broader community landscape. I met people running businesses, attended events, and gained firsthand insight into how businesses, small, medium, and large, scale.
I particularly enjoyed this space. The Rotary Action Group for Economic Development, which I’m also part of, gave me further exposure to how funding structures work and how communities, both locally and internationally, can be supported. I found all of that fascinating and decided to start building my profile in this field.
I began attending and hosting events, bringing in high-profile keynote speakers. I also invited members of the City of Brampton’s Economic Development Office, including the mayor and city councillors. These experiences proved to be incredibly valuable.
Eventually, when the opportunity came up to join the City of Brampton’s Economic Development Office, I took it. I now serve as the Coordinator for the African and Caribbean markets for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). That role has been pivotal.
Once I started, we hit the ground running. These markets are dynamic and full of potential. And that’s how I transitioned into economic development here at the City of Brampton.
What excites you the most about working in this Investment Attraction? Is this Canadian capital being deployed in Africa and the Caribbean, or is the capital of Africa and the Caribbean being deployed in Canada?
Uche: Structurally, it would be African capital being deployed in Canada. And I know the reverse is not a very popular one in that industry. People are often surprised when I explain my role. First, that the City of Brampton has a dedicated desk for this, and second, that we’re actively seeking African investors to bring capital into Canada.
The more common narrative, of course, is the reverse: Canadians or members of the G7 investing in African or Caribbean markets. But I market this idea because the opportunity is real.
There is capital in Africa, both in the private sector and the public sector and that capital is being used to support the private economy through startups and existing businesses. Now, playing as a business owner in North America is a big deal, and there are many reasons why. You have a stable currency, a reliable political structure, strong government support for businesses, and an ecosystem of programs and policies that make running a business seamless.
It’s often said that if your business fails in North America, it’s likely because you weren’t putting in the work because everything you need to thrive is already here.
That’s why I tell potential investors: if you have the mindset and capacity for expansion, you should consider growing your business in North America using Brampton as your launch pad. From here, you can access both the Canadian and U.S. markets. You’ll be operating in a city with a credit rating, a stable economic environment, and a business-friendly infrastructure. Once you’re established, you can reinvest profits anywhere in the world. That’s how global business works.
At first glance, African capital flowing into Canada may seem like a difficult or even strange proposition, especially when the popular narrative flows the other way. But this is about smart business, not sentiment.
We’ve already had delegates come in to test the waters, and businesses have followed. Some are already established here and thriving. So once we get past the initial questions and explain the logic behind investing in Brampton, it starts to make complete sense and that’s why interest continues to grow.
Since taking on this role, what kind of business interest or investment have you been able to attract to the City of Brampton?
Uche: In terms of dollar value, I would say it’s still in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, largely because we’re dealing with small-scale businesses at this stage.
When it comes to the number of businesses, we’re currently in the double digits, and that number is steadily growing. We’ve seen a good level of interest, but as you know, establishing a business across borders is quite a process.
That said, there’s clear progress. Some companies are already here, operating, while others are in the process of setting up. And we’re looking at two key regions: Africa and the Caribbean.
This remains a very open and underexplored market, and we’re doing everything we can to engage it by attracting more businesses and helping them land successfully in Brampton.
I’d like to understand the process a little better. Let’s say I’m a business based in Africa and I’m interested in establishing in the City of Brampton. What does that process look like?
Uche: There are essentially two ways to go about it. As a business in Africa, you can begin by registering your company in Canada while still based in your home country. Then, you would typically work with an immigration consultant to determine the most appropriate visa stream for your case.
For example, if you’re a startup, particularly one that’s technologically driven, you might qualify for the Startup Visa Program. In that case, you’d begin by incorporating your company. Ontario is one of the provinces where you can register your business without immediately needing a Canadian partner, so you can get incorporated fairly easily.
Now, the critical part of the process is your visa application. For the Startup Visa route, you’ll need the backing of a designated organization: an angel investor, a venture capitalist, or a government-approved business incubator. In Brampton, that incubator would be Beehive.
If that’s the route you’re taking, you would prepare and submit a pitch deck to Beehive. If your business idea is approved, they’ll invite you to formally apply, pay the required fees, and eventually issue you a Letter of Support. This letter is key—it’s what you’ll use to apply for your visa. The Startup Visa typically includes a work permit and a pathway to permanent residency. The incubation program itself runs for about nine months, giving you structured support to establish your business.
Now, if your business doesn’t want to go through an incubator or accelerator, maybe you already have the capacity to operate independently—you can still set up. At that point, we would determine the nature of your business. Is it something that can operate virtually? Or does it require physical presence, an office, staff, equipment, etc.
Some businesses may prefer to test the waters first. For instance, a food processing company might want to introduce their products into the market and gauge reception before fully establishing operations. That kind of soft entry can be arranged through appropriate channels. There are agents and organizations that can facilitate that process.
Ultimately, the specific visa stream you use will guide the process. Once your immigration pathway is sorted, typically through a consultant, you can proceed. Usually, this would involve coming in on a work permit, since it’s your own business.
Upon arrival in Brampton, the City’s economic development office would step in to support you. We can help with finding office space, offering business support services, plugging you into networking opportunities, and connecting you with relevant industry associations. You’d also begin the process of hiring staff and getting fully operational.
The goal is that by the time you arrive in Brampton, you’ve already begun to understand and engage with your target market. We work to make sure you don’t start from zero. We lay the groundwork with you.
Brampton is known for being a hub for diverse businesses. What strategies does the city use to attract investment from Africa and the Caribbean? And what sectors within Brampton are particularly attractive to African and Caribbean investors?
Uche: I’ll begin by answering the second part of the question first — the sectors.
Brampton is home to several thriving sectors. Let me break them down:
We have advanced manufacturing, which includes some of the largest companies in Canada. Stellantis, which manufactures cars, operates here. MDA, a major producer of satellite equipment working with both the Canadian and U.S. governments (including NASA), is also based in Brampton. The city supports a wide range of manufacturing, from household and industrial products to aviation and vehicle parts.
Then there’s innovation and technology, a broad sector that supports every industry. This area is bolstered by strong research institutions, a dedicated Innovation District, and a number of incubators and accelerators that help startups and businesses with cutting-edge tools, research, and technical support.
Food and beverage processing is another key sector. It includes culturally significant brands, including growing African names. One well-known example is a popular Agege bread company, which started in Brampton and now has multiple locations across Canada and the U.S. So there’s clearly space for cultural food businesses to scale successfully here.
We also have strong sub-sectors like education, cybersecurity, and logistics. Logistics, in particular, is massive. Brampton serves as a national hub — over half of Canada’s commercial goods either pass through or are processed here. Thanks to our location, Brampton is logistically advantageous.
Medical technology is another promising sector. We’re home to top-tier academic institutions and a robust healthcare infrastructure. In fact, Brampton is set to host the first medical school in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in over 100 years — it’s being established this year. I sit on a committee helping to ensure that Black students who aspire to careers in medical sciences have access, opportunity, and support to succeed. This new school will be a huge catalyst for the medical ecosystem.
The city also boasts two major hospital systems. One already operates one of the most in-demand cancer and dialysis centers. The second hospital, a multi-billion-dollar facility, is currently under construction. All of this contributes to the strength and appeal of our medical tech sector.
Now, to your first question, how do we attract African and Caribbean investment?
We promote Brampton as a business destination through several strategies. One of our biggest assets is location. Brampton is close to Canada’s busiest airport and sits near the world’s busiest highway. We’re also close to the U.S. border. For example, if you travel west from Brampton on two fronts, you’ll reach New York in about 1.5 hours and Michigan in about 3 hours. Both are major economic hubs. Similarly, a one-hour flight from here can get you to cities like Chicago, New York, and Boston again, major U.S. business centers.
Beyond location, we highlight demographic growth, strong infrastructure, and sector-specific support, all of which make Brampton a compelling investment destination. These elements are particularly relevant for African and Caribbean investors who are exploring international expansion. When you understand the ecosystem, the opportunity here becomes clear. That’s what we emphasize in our outreach.
You’re in a unique and impactful role. When you moved to Canada, specifically to Brampton, did you imagine that your work would still focus so deeply on where you came from? What was your mindset when you first arrived, and how has that evolved in terms of opportunity?
Uche: A lot of factors led to my decision to leave Nigeria. Initially, it was simply the desire to leave. At the time, I had a good job with one of the telecom companies in Nigeria. But things started to change, particularly due to the economic situation, which became increasingly unstable and unpredictable. As a young man with a young family, I had to be concerned about our future.
Eventually, I began hearing more about Canada. I did my research, and ultimately, I migrated with my family as permanent residents. When we landed, I told myself this was a fresh start, a second chance. My mindset was to make the most of it and build a better life. At that time, I didn’t foresee everything that’s happening now. A lot has happened. If I had looked ahead and asked myself whether I thought I’d be where I am today, I wouldn’t have confidently said yes, though I wouldn’t have said no either. I just knew it was the beginning of something new. My family and I were in sync on that.
After settling in, I started a community organization called the Network of Nigerians in Canada. Last year, we celebrated our fifth anniversary. The group has grown to become quite influential. We’re connected with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, the Nigerian High Commission in Ottawa, and even some state governments in Nigeria. We host annual events around Black History Month, Nigeria’s Democracy Day, and Independence Day, and we collaborate with other community organizations. It’s a very active group. We support new immigrants by helping them settle, search for jobs, and find a sense of belonging.
Beyond that, I’m a proud member of Rotary International. That too has become a major part of my journey here. I had the honor of becoming the first Black president of my Rotary Club, and now I’m set to become the first Black District Governor in my district. Rotary has provided a platform for leadership and impact, both locally and globally.
I’ve also maintained my Christian roots. I’m an Anglican, and I serve as an evangelist in my church. That’s one of the ways I give back to my community spiritually.
All of these pieces, the community work, the professional growth have opened doors. Mid last year, I was invited to join the Board of Directors at the William Osler Health System Foundation, one of the largest in Canada. That role is also shaping my experience in meaningful ways.
Professionally, this job has been incredibly enriching. It has exposed me to different levels of government, businesses, and people. I’ve had the chance to visit other countries, host international delegates, and work across both for-profit and nonprofit sectors. We engage with all tiers of government, municipal, provincial, and federal. Within the City of Brampton, I work closely with the Mayor’s Office and various departments.
Honestly, it has been a beautiful journey. I never imagined all of this before coming. I just knew it was a second chance, and I needed to do my best. It hasn’t been that long, but so far, God has been truly good.
There’s something often said about Nigerian immigrants. There’s a certain energy, a distinct zest, that sets them apart from other immigrant groups. Would you say you’ve observed this in your interactions with fellow Nigerians? And do you think people would say the same about you?
Uche: Let me start with a quick story. I have a friend who used to be a Councillor here in Brampton. She’s now a Member of Provincial Parliament. One day, we were having a conversation and she said to me, “I’m always impressed by Nigerians — you people are just so much!” She went on to say that from her interactions, the average Nigerian she meets seems to hold a master’s degree. That’s not something you find every day.
If you look at the spaces we occupy, whether it’s entrepreneurship or traditional 9-to-5 jobs, Nigerians are thriving. We know how to get things done, and often we’re doing multiple things at once. I’ll use myself as an example, but this really mirrors the story of many Nigerians in the diaspora. We’re working full-time jobs, running side businesses, raising families, showing up as the best dads, moms, uncles, or aunties. We’re attending events, staying connected to home, organizing trips. We do a lot, and we do it well.
Our background helps make this possible. Nigeria is a country where you can’t just stand still and watch things happen, you have to move, adapt, and hustle. So when we bring that energy into a country like Canada, where systems actually work, it creates the perfect environment for success.
Back home, many of the basic responsibilities fall on individuals. But here, government support fills in some of those gaps. All you need to do is plug into the system. And because Nigerians already have that drive, that hunger to excel in every area of life, Canada becomes the ideal environment. It’s a country that rewards hard work. If you show up and put in the effort, you’ll gain access to everything the system offers. That’s what many Nigerians are experiencing here.
So yes, that zeal people often talk about is real. It’s the product of a determined spirit landing in a place with structure. It’s like putting a great dancer in front of a live band playing the perfect tune. You’re bound to see magic.
What would you say Brampton offers that sets it apart from every other city? You’ve touched on this earlier, but I’d like us to go a bit deeper. Why choose Brampton over Toronto or other more well-known cities in Canada?
Uche: Recently, Brampton became the third-largest city in Ontario, with a population approaching 800,000. Now, if you compare that with the average Nigerian city, it may seem small but here in Canada, that’s a big deal. Brampton is also now the eighth-largest city in Canada overall.
Our population is dynamic and highly diverse. Brampton is home to people from virtually every background. In recent years, we’ve also started attracting a younger demographic. While the national average age in Canada is around 41, Brampton’s average age is 36. And if you look at people who’ve migrated to Brampton between 2015 and now, their average age is around 20–24. That’s significant. With that youthful population comes energy, innovation, and potential. Very soon, Brampton could be the youngest city in North America.
And it’s not just about age. These new residents are coming in with post-secondary education, degrees, certifications, skills. That’s an important metric when you’re thinking about the future of a city, especially from a business or investment perspective.
For a businessperson, Brampton is full of promise. It’s a city on the rise, and it has a very active and intentional Economic Development Office. In fact, Brampton is the only city in Canada with a dedicated desk for the African and Caribbean markets. No other city offers that. Most cities just have economic development officers managing local business relations through typical Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) models. But Brampton goes beyond that. We’re actively attracting and building relationships with new markets that many still consider untapped.
Geographically, Brampton’s location gives it a major advantage. Demographically, we’re incredibly diverse. Politically and economically, we’re supported by a local government and infrastructure that genuinely want businesses to succeed. For example, we also have an Equity Office that ensures diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords, they’re part of our governance and planning.
And then there’s the city’s credit rating. Brampton has maintained a Triple-A credit rating for eight consecutive years. That’s a major achievement. Just to put it into perspective: in the entire U.S. stock exchange system, only two companies currently hold that rating. It’s rare, and it signifies financial stability, trust, and credibility.
For any smart businessperson, that should be a green light. Brampton is internationally recognized. It’s part of a system that works. There’s a stable currency, working infrastructure, and comprehensive support for businesses.
So, if you’re looking for a place to live, start a business, or raise a family, Brampton makes a compelling case. It’s a strong, forward-thinking city with real momentum, and now is a great time to be part of it.
Closing Thought
Through the lens of Uche’s story, we see a bold reimagination of what African global mobility can look like. Not merely outbound capital or fleeing talent, but mutual investment and smart, strategic positioning.
For Uche and many of the businesses he supports, the move to Brampton represents more than a relocation. It’s a redefinition of value, African-led growth, rooted in a system that works.
