A senator says Canada risks missing expected economic opportunities in Africa if the government keeps the special envoy position for Africa vacant or deprioritized. The comments are reported as Ottawa considers whether to scrap the role, despite calls from parliamentary committees for the government to give the position higher priority and additional resources. The senator argues that leaving the post empty prevents effective engagement and follow-through on Canada’s plans for increased involvement with African countries. The reporting frames the issue around a projected economic boom across the continent and suggests that Canada’s ability to capitalize on it depends partly on having a dedicated envoy with the mandate and support to coordinate efforts. Committee recommendations cited in the coverage push for greater attention and funding for the role, indicating that some legislators want the government to strengthen its Africa-related strategy. Overall, the articles describe a disagreement between calls to bolster the envoy function and the possibility that the government may change or eliminate the position.