ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – Leaders from Pakistan and African nations have called for closer economic engagement, stronger trade partnerships, and increased investment as diplomats, government officials, and business leaders convened for the Africa Day 2026 event organized by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI).

Speaking as the chief guest, Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi stated that Pakistan’s friendship with African nations is founded on mutual trust and a shared dedication to development. He urged both sides to move beyond conventional diplomatic ties by broadening collaboration in trade, investment, education, innovation, and industrial development.

The governor extended an invitation to African businesses to invest in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, highlighting opportunities within renewable energy, mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and human capital development. He remarked that the province provides an investor-friendly environment and substantial potential for long-term partnerships.

Hamid Asghar, Additional Secretary (Africa) at Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, observed that Africa’s rapidly expanding economies, youthful workforce, and abundant natural resources present significant prospects for Pakistani companies. He encouraged the private sector to fortify its presence across African markets through regular trade delegations and business networking initiatives, assuring continued government support.

Sardar Tahir Mahmood, President of the ICCI, affirmed the chamber’s commitment to cultivating stronger commercial links with African countries by fostering business exchanges, institutional cooperation, and joint investment ventures. He noted that enhanced private-sector collaboration would facilitate the unlocking of new avenues for economic growth on both sides.

Monsoor Karim Box, Mauritius High Commissioner, speaking on behalf of the African diplomatic group, asserted that Africa’s young population is one of the continent’s most significant assets. He added that its plentiful resources, agricultural capacity, and burgeoning tourism sector position Africa as an attractive destination for strategic partnerships with Pakistan.

Zafar Bakhtawari, Chairman of the Pakistan Africa Friendship Association, underscored the importance of establishing direct air connectivity between Pakistan and African countries, suggesting that improved transport links would stimulate trade, tourism, and investment while strengthening people-to-people connections.

The ceremony brought together ambassadors, high commissioners, diplomats, senior government officials, business executives, and members of the diplomatic and corporate communities, all of whom reaffirmed their dedication to expanding Pakistan-Africa economic cooperation and exploring new opportunities for sustainable development.