Treepz, one of Africa’s most prominent corporate travel and mobility startups, has officially launched operations in Canada. The launch event, held at Brampton City Hall, was attended by key stakeholders, including Mayor Patrick Brown and Treepz’s leadership, signalling strong local support for the company’s North American entry. This milestone not only highlights Treepz’s global ambitions but also reflects the growing influence of African-founded startups in international markets.
A Journey from Nigeria to North America
Founded in Nigeria, Treepz has steadily grown into a major player in the African tech ecosystem, with operations in 25 cities across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, and now Canada. The company has served over 6 million customers, leveraging technology to deliver efficient and reliable corporate mobility solutions. The expansion into Canada marks a significant evolution in Treepz’s journey, showcasing its readiness to scale beyond the African continent.
Canada Emerges as the Next Step
Treepz’s entry into the Canadian market is the result of long-term planning and meaningful relationships built over time. The startup participated in the Techstars Toronto accelerator in 2021, during which CEO Onyeka Akumah first engaged with Mayor Patrick Brown to explore potential expansion opportunities. With Canada’s substantial commuter population and travel volume—over 16.5 million daily commuters and 38.7 million international travelers in 2024—Treepz identified a clear opportunity to apply its innovative mobility model in North America.
Local Partnerships Strengthen the Launch
Treepz’s Canadian debut has been bolstered by several strategic partnerships and institutional support. Backing from the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance’s TAP program and the Brampton Entrepreneurs program played a vital role in helping Treepz establish its global headquarters in Ontario. These partnerships not only facilitated the company’s physical presence in Canada but also strengthened its ability to navigate and thrive in a new market.
Collaboration with the African Impact Initiative
At the heart of Treepz Canada's launch is a two-year partnership with the African Impact Initiative, supported by the University of Toronto. Through this collaboration, Treepz will manage corporate travel logistics—covering flights, accommodations, and ground transportation—for professionals traveling to South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, and Rwanda. This partnership is a strong validation of Treepz’s capability to provide seamless end-to-end mobility experiences for global clients.
A Warm Welcome from Brampton
The launch at Brampton City Hall was more than symbolic—it was a declaration of mutual intent to foster innovation and inclusion. Mayor Patrick Brown offered a warm welcome to the Treepz leadership team, including CEO Onyeka Akumah, Co-Founders John Shaibu and Enagwolor Johnny, and Board Member Ebenezer Arthur of BKR Capital. His endorsement underscores the city's openness to international startups and reinforces Brampton’s position as a hub for global entrepreneurship.
Leading the Charge for African Innovation
Treepz’s leadership team, including Onyeka Akumah, John Shaibu, and Enagwolor Johnny, has been instrumental in steering the company from a Nigerian startup to a globally recognized travel tech brand. Their vision and execution continue to set a strong example for African tech founders aiming to operate on the world stage. With support from partners in both Africa and Canada, Treepz is well-positioned to redefine business travel and mobility for a global audience.
Treepz’s Canadian launch is more than just an expansion—it is a validation of Africa’s capacity to build globally competitive, tech-driven solutions. With strategic partnerships, a growing customer base, and the support of Canadian leadership, Treepz is charting a new course for African startups with international aspirations. As the company begins this new chapter in North America, it continues to prove that impactful innovation knows no borders.