Africa Day celebration highlights growing Pakistan-Africa partnership, cultural diversity and shared development goals
By Staff Reporter
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has said that Pakistan’s “Engage Africa Policy” reflects the country’s strong commitment to expanding and deepening political, economic and cultural relations with African nations on a sustainable basis.
He was addressing the Africa Day 2026 celebration hosted by the High Commission of Rwanda in collaboration with African Missions accredited to Pakistan. The event brought together diplomats, government officials, members of the business community, academics and representatives of civil society to celebrate Africa’s rich cultural heritage and growing partnership with Pakistan.
Among the distinguished guests were Additional Secretary Foreign Affairs Hamid Asghar Khan, Heads of African Missions in Pakistan and Heads of Pakistan Missions serving in African countries.
Speaking on the occasion, Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan views Africa as an important partner in its foreign policy and remains committed to strengthening bilateral relations across the continent. He highlighted Pakistan’s expanding diplomatic footprint in Africa and noted that cooperation now spans trade, education, health, capacity building and defense sectors.
The minister proposed the establishment of a joint platform to promote African culture, music, traditions and heritage, emphasizing that stronger cultural exchanges would further enhance mutual understanding and people-to-people contacts. He expressed confidence that the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and African nations would continue to flourish in the years ahead.
The Africa Day celebration showcased the diversity of the African continent through cultural displays, traditional cuisine, music performances and exhibitions of African products and artwork. The event aimed to foster greater understanding and friendship between African countries and Pakistan.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Pakistan, Titus M. J. Abu Basutu, said Africa Day commemorates the establishment of the Organization of African Unity on May 25, 1963, which later evolved into the African Union in 2002. He said the occasion celebrates African unity, integration, cultural diversity and the continent’s progress toward economic development and self-reliance.
Ambassador Titus underscored Africa’s increasing global importance, citing its youthful population, expanding economy and immense development potential. Referring to this year’s Africa Day theme focusing on sustainable water availability and sanitation, he stressed the need for greater attention to water security, climate resilience, public health and sustainable development.
He appreciated Pakistan’s Engage Africa Policy and expressed confidence that it would further strengthen trade, investment and people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and African countries. He also highlighted Africa’s tourism potential, cultural richness and hospitality, while thanking the Government of Pakistan for its continued support and cooperation with African diplomatic missions.
In his remarks, Additional Secretary Foreign Affairs Hamid Asghar Khan described Africa as a resource-rich and welcoming continent with enormous potential. While acknowledging the progress achieved by many African countries, he pointed to persistent challenges such as hunger and conflict and called for stronger multilateral cooperation and enhanced South-South collaboration.
He identified tourism and defense as promising areas for future Pakistan-Africa cooperation and emphasized the importance of regular political engagement, active diplomatic missions and closer coordination at the United Nations. He also commended the efforts being made to strengthen Pakistan-Africa relations and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to expanding engagement with African partners.
The ceremony concluded with cultural performances and visits to exhibition stalls featuring African crafts, products and artwork, offering guests a glimpse into the continent’s rich traditions and diverse heritage while reinforcing the growing bonds of friendship between Pakistan and Africa.
