Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan’s Engage Africa Policy reflects the country’s commitment to expanding political, economic and cultural relations with African countries on a sustainable basis.

Speaking at an Africa Day 2026 ceremony in Islamabad, Tarar said Pakistan views Africa as an important partner in its foreign policy and remains committed to strengthening relations across the continent.

The event was hosted by the Rwanda High Commission in Pakistan in collaboration with African missions accredited in the country. It brought together diplomats, ambassadors, high commissioners, academics, students, media representatives and members of the African diaspora.

Tarar said Pakistan’s diplomatic presence in Africa was expanding and that cooperation with African countries covered several areas, including trade, education, health, capacity building and defence.

He also proposed the creation of a joint platform to promote African culture, music, heritage, traditions and values, saying stronger cultural exchanges could further deepen ties between Pakistan and African nations.

The ceremony showcased African culture through traditional cuisine, music, artwork and heritage displays. African missions in Islamabad set up stalls featuring products, art and food from different parts of the continent.

Africa Day highlights unity and cooperation

Addressing the ceremony, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Pakistan Titus M. J. Abu Basutu, Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps, welcomed the federal minister, diplomats and other guests.

He said Africa Day marks the establishment of the Organization of African Unity on May 25, 1963, which later became the African Union in 2002. He said the day celebrates African unity, integration, cultural diversity and the continent’s continued progress toward economic development and self-reliance.

Ambassador Titus said the occasion also honours Africa’s struggle against colonialism and provides an opportunity to reflect on current challenges and collective solutions for building a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous continent.

Referring to the African Union’s Agenda 2063, he highlighted priorities including sustainable development, regional integration, human capital development, environmental sustainability, good governance, peace and security, and gender equality.

He also spoke about Africa’s growing global importance, citing its youthful population, expanding economy and development potential.

The ambassador said this year’s Africa Day theme on sustainable water availability and sanitation underlined the importance of water security, climate resilience, public health and sustainable development.

He welcomed Pakistan’s Engage Africa Policy and expressed confidence that it would strengthen bilateral relations, trade, investment and people-to-people contacts between Africa and Pakistan.

Calls for deeper South-South cooperation

In his remarks, Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan described Africa as a welcoming and resource-rich continent with major economic and development potential.

He said stronger multilateral cooperation and deeper South-South ties were needed to address shared challenges, including hunger and conflict.

He identified tourism and defence as important areas for collaboration between Pakistan and African countries. He also stressed the need for regular political engagement, active resident missions and enhanced cooperation at the United Nations.

The evening concluded with visits to stalls set up by African missions, where guests sampled traditional food and viewed cultural products and artwork.

The food stalls featured dishes from several African countries, including Moroccan tagine, Egyptian koshari and Sudanese stews. The Embassy of Ethiopia also set up a traditional coffee corner, where guests experienced the Ethiopian coffee ceremony.

The Africa Day ceremony ended with music and cultural exchanges, with participants highlighting friendship, hospitality and shared aspirations between Pakistan and African nations.

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