On February 21, 2025, Ben Marc Diendéré announced, with humility and pride, his appointment as Canada’s Special Envoy to Africa through a communication shared on LinkedIn.
In his message, Mr. Diendéré expressed his enthusiasm for this new role. He stated, "It is with great humility and immense pride that I announce my appointment as Canada’s Special Envoy to Africa."
He also emphasized the significance of this appointment during these turbulent global times, stating, "In these times of great turbulence, I am eager to continue, in collaboration with my dedicated ambassador colleagues across the continent, to work tirelessly and creatively on one of the most beautiful and exciting human, economic, and environmental projects of the 21st century: the Canada-Africa bridge."
For Mr. Diendéré, this new role represents a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the most ambitious and exciting projects of the 21st century. He is determined to actively work on strengthening the ties between Canada and Africa.
The Special Envoy concluded by expressing his commitment to work relentlessly to move this large-scale initiative forward and offer innovative solutions to the challenges faced by both Africa and Canada.
An exemplary career dedicated to communications and sustainable development
Ben Marc Diendéré is a seasoned specialist and senior executive in the fields of communications and public affairs, known for his exceptional expertise and unwavering commitment to his causes. Currently, he serves as Canada’s Ambassador and Permanent Observer to the African Union. He has also held prominent leadership positions, including serving as the President of the Montreal Arts Council and as the President of the University of Montreal’s Development Committee.
His career also includes key roles such as Chief Executive Officer of Public Affairs and Communications at Via Rail Canada and at Sollio Group Cooperative (formerly La Coop fédérée), the largest agri-food company in Quebec. His experience as Senior Director at Québecor Media Inc. and his ability to effectively communicate with various stakeholders, both internal and external, make him a reference in his field.
A passionate advocate for sustainable development and inclusion, Ben Marc Diendéré is deeply involved in the community. He sits on the boards of several organizations, including the University of Montreal, UNICEF Canada, and many others. Additionally, he established the Ben Marc Diendéré Scholarships at the University of Montreal to support deserving students.
His philanthropic efforts and commitment to social causes have made him a respected figure and an influential leader in public affairs and communications.