Ambassadors, diplomats and international relations experts at an ISSI forum in Islamabad said Pakistan Africa ties must move beyond goodwill and into practical cooperation as the continent grows in economic and strategic importance.
The remarks came during an Africa Day celebration hosted by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, where speakers stressed that Africa is no longer a future market alone but a continent shaping global commerce, diplomacy and security today. They cautioned that Pakistan has only a limited window to build stronger partnerships before competition in African markets becomes even more intense.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the Board of Governors and chief guest, conveyed warm greetings to African nations on the 63rd Africa Day and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deeper engagement. Former minister Khurram Dastagir Khan underlined that defense and security could become promising areas for cooperation, including training and industry linkages, if both sides begin structured dialogue.
Acting Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Algeria to Pakistan Brahim Romani said Pakistan was among the earliest supporters of African liberation movements, a legacy that should now be translated into expanded trade and economic cooperation. He also appreciated Pakistan’s role in facilitating mediation between the United States and Iran, calling it a difficult but successful effort.
Speaking on behalf of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said Africa’s vision is built around unity, integration, dignity and development, adding that the continent remains committed to Agenda 2063 and the idea of “The Africa We Want.”
Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan said global geopolitical and economic shifts make South-South cooperation more important than ever. He pointed to Africa’s untapped potential in agriculture, food security and natural resources, describing the continent as a possible future breadbasket. He urged stronger institutional and business linkages, greater embassy engagement and wider private sector participation to turn opportunity into measurable outcomes.
Ambassador of Egypt Dr. Ihab Mohamed Abdelhamid Hassan highlighted the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area and discussed Egypt’s cooperation with African countries on water management. He also touched on Pakistan’s bilateral prospects with African states in trade, education, culture and people-to-people exchange.
Other diplomats from Egypt, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Somalia, Tunisia and Zimbabwe also shared their views on the growing prospects for cooperation. Representatives from Pakistani missions across Africa joined in person and online, reflecting the wider interest in expanding Pakistan Africa ties through sustained diplomatic and economic outreach.
Participants repeatedly noted that Pakistan can still build a meaningful presence in Africa if it acts now with practical steps, stronger coordination and long-term commitment rather than waiting for opportunities to narrow further.
