Report : Tazeen Akhtar | Pictures : Raja Ghulam Farid
Ambassadors and experts on international relations and africa have emphasized on enhancing the cooperation and interactions with Africa without any further looking forward only but with practical steps and measures taken as early as possible. They said Africa is the continent of today and Pakistan has few years to shape up the close partnerships with the continent bilaterally or at multilateral level. After one decade, the copetition in Africa will be too hard to match. India, China, EU, Japan, Turkiye have forged close partnerships with Africa.
They shared these views at a special event to celebrate “Africa Day 2026” that was organized by the Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East & Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies (ISSI) Islamabad.The proceedings began with the national anthems of Pakistan and the African Union which was specially composed for the occasion. Dr. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA, moderated the event.
Speakers included Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman, BoG, Chief Guest, Engineer Khurram Dastagir Khan; Former Minister of Trade, Energy, Power, Defense and Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, Keynote Speaker, Ambassador Brahim Romani, Acting Dean of African Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Algeria to Pakistan, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf; Chairperson of the African Union Commission and Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan; Additional Foreign Secretary (Africa), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan.
Ambassador Algeria Brahim Romani, on behalf of his government and the members of African diplomatic missions extended congratulations to Pakistan on mediation between US and Iran. He said , the mediation was very difficult task but Pakistan did it successfully.
Ambassadors & High Commissioners of Egypt, Kenya, Mauritius,Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan,Somalia, Tunisia, Zimbabwe spoke on the topic and shared their point of view. Ambassadors of Libya and Ethiopia were not present. Ethiopian DHM represented the mission.
Ambassador of Sudan Salih Mohamed Ahmed, High Commissioner of Kenya Peter Mbogo Njiru, Acting High Commissioner of South Africa Rudolph Pierre Jordaan,High Commissioner of Zimbabwe Titus Mehliswa Johnathan Abu Basutu,High Commissioner of Mauritius Munsoor Kurrimbaccus, Deputy Head of Mission of Morocco Ahmed Drif,Charge d, Affaires of Tunisia Dorsaf Maaroufi Arfaoui, Charge d, Affaires of Nigeria High Commission Yushau Mohammed shared their views on the prospects of cooperation.
Among Pakistani Missions in Africa, Naeem Khan from Rwanda with achreditation to Angola and Brundi was present at the event while online Ambassadors Aqsa Nawaz from Djibouti, Amir Shaukat from Egypt, Asif Iqbal from Libya, Noor Nabi from Ghana, Mehmood Akhtar from Ivorycoast, Bilal Mohsin from Uganda participated and shared their feedback regarding potential in their respective countries. Shoaib Mansoor from Kenya, Mohammad Imran from Nigeria, Saima Saeed from Tanzania, Hassan M Rabbani from South Africa and Aziz Khan could not join online for technical reasons.
The Heads of African Missions in Pakistan and Heads of Pakistan Missions in Africa also shared their views on the occasion. Stalls exhibiting African products and artwork depicting African culture were also set up by African Missions in Islamabad.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood extended warm greetings to African nations on the occasion of 63rd Africa Day and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Africa.
He highlighted the growing importance of Africa in global affairs, underscored the longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and African countries, and emphasized the importance of enhanced engagement in trade, education, and people-to-people exchanges. He also appreciated the role of CAMEA in promoting closer Pakistan-Africa relations through dialogue and sustained engagement.
Engineer Khurram Dastagir Khan pointed out Defense and security as major sectors for bilateral cooperation and said , the sides have not discussed this sector that is quite promising if the sides work on it. He said cooperation in defense training and industry is possible.
He said , Pakistan and Africa have to grow together. He congratulated the African people and said that the African Continent is rising with tremendous opportunities for growth and development.
He noted that Pakistan can gain from partnership with Africa, calling it an untapped reservoir of immense potential. He highlighted challenges such as a lack of banking channels and direct flights that hinder cooperation between Pakistan and the African Continent, but said these are becoming less daunting as a foundation for cooperation has already been laid.
He added that Pakistan and African states coordinate closely at the United Nations and often vote together, while South-South trade offers major opportunities. He further stressed that Gwadar Port and improved shipping, banking, and digital links can unlock the full potential of this relationship.
Ambassador Brahim Romani noted that Pakistan was among the first countries to support African liberation movements, a legacy that Africa deeply appreciates. He said this historic goodwill should now be translated into stronger economic cooperation and expanded trade.
Highlighting Africa’s vast opportunities and Pakistan’s expertise in industry, science, research and technology, he called for closer institutional and business linkages, more active embassy engagement, and greater participation from the private sector.
He also urged the appointment of a special envoy for Africa and expressed optimism that Pakistan–Africa relations can grow further under South–South cooperation.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said that Africa’s vision is rooted in unity, integration, dignity, and development, and on Africa Day the Continent reaffirms its commitment to Agenda 2063 and “The Africa We Want.”
He said that guided by “Ubuntu Africa” continues to promote solidarity and strengthen its global voice, including through its role in the G20. He added that ongoing AU reforms and this year’s focus on water, sanitation, and climate resilience reflect Africa’s drive for sustainable development, alongside its call for justice and a stronger role in global governance.
Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan noted that global geopolitical and economic shifts make it important for Pakistan to deepen engagement with Africa through South-South cooperation. He highlighted Africa’s vast untapped potential, especially in agriculture, food security, and natural resources, and its role as a future breadbasket.
He also stressed Africa’s youth as a major asset and called for expanded cooperation in education, healthcare, IT, pharmaceuticals, Tourism and sports, along with stronger connectivity and greater awareness of mutual opportunities.
Ambassador of Sudan Salih Mohamed Ahmed shared the latest situation in his country and said, our military is restoring the stability and peace. The rebels get support from UAE and some African countries. He did not mention the names of the African countries. He called upon international community to declare the rebels of Sudan as terrorists. He said , Sudan is looking for help from the world community in this regard.
Naeem Khan enlightened the participants about the potential Africa carries and that Pakistan can tap in one decade if the practical steps are taken from today. He said Rwanda is the center of Africa and there is huge potential of enhancing cooperation in all spheres including trade, investment, tourism, education, textile, agriculture, AI and others. He said , land is very cheap there that encourages agriculture and other joint ventures in this sector including agricultural machinery. He stressed upon the tourists from Pakistan to see Africa that has very attractive sites and safaris.
Director CAMEA Dr. Amina Khan noted Africa’s inspiring journey of resilience, independence, and progress, and underlined the growing significance of Pakistan–Africa relations. She highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding ties with African countries and reaffirmed CAMEA’s commitment to promoting dialogue, research, cultural exchange, and institutional collaboration with Africa.
She also appreciated the role of diplomatic missions and partners in both Pakistan and Africa in strengthening people-to-people linkages and advancing shared objectives of cooperation and development.
An interactive discussion followed, where representatives from the African Missions based in Pakistan shared their views. Representatives from the Pakistani Missions based in Africa also joined virtually and underscored the prospects of closer ties with Africa.
At the end, guests visited stalls set up by African Missions in Islamabad, showcasing African food and culture. The event was attended by a diverse gathering of diplomats, academics, practitioners, students, media representatives, and the African diaspora.
