The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East & Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad hosted a special event to celebrate Africa Day 2026, bringing together diplomats, policymakers, academics and the African diaspora to discuss prospects for deeper collaboration and practical cooperation.
The proceedings opened with the national anthems of Pakistan and the African Union, followed by a programme moderated by Dr. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA. Senior speakers included Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chief Guest Engineer Khurram Dastagir Khan, Ambassador Brahim Romani, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, alongside heads of African missions in Islamabad and Pakistani missions based in African capitals who joined virtually.
In his address, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood extended warm greetings on the 63rd Africa Day and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan Africa relations. He underscored the continent’s rising role in global affairs, noted longstanding ties of friendship, and urged greater engagement in trade, education and people to people links while commending CAMEA’s work to sustain dialogue.
Engineer Khurram Dastagir Khan emphasised Africa’s expanding opportunities for growth and said Pakistan stands to gain from closer partnership. He flagged practical obstacles such as limited banking channels and the absence of direct flights, but highlighted that foundations for cooperation already exist and that improvements in shipping, banking and digital connectivity supported by hubs like Gwadar Port could unlock new trade and investment avenues.
Ambassador Brahim Romani reflected on historic solidarity during African liberation movements and called for that goodwill to be translated into tangible economic ties. He urged stronger institutional and business linkages, more active embassy engagement and greater private sector participation, including consideration of appointing a dedicated envoy for Africa to drive deeper engagement.
Dr. Amina Khan paid tribute to Africa’s resilience and progress and reaffirmed CAMEA’s commitment to promoting research, cultural exchange and policy dialogue. She acknowledged the role of diplomatic missions and partner institutions in both Pakistan and African states in building people to people connections that sustain Pakistan Africa relations.
H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf highlighted Africa’s vision embodied in Agenda 2063 and the theme of Ubuntu, noting the continent’s push for unity, integration and sustainable development. He pointed to AU reforms and this year’s emphasis on water, sanitation and climate resilience as central to Africa’s development priorities and global engagement, including within forums such as the G20.
Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan framed enhanced engagement with Africa as timely amid shifting geopolitics, underscoring the continent’s potential in agriculture, food security and natural resources and its youthful demographic as a major asset. He urged expanded cooperation in education, healthcare, IT, pharmaceuticals, tourism and sports, alongside improved connectivity and awareness of mutual opportunities.
An interactive discussion featured contributions from African missions in Pakistan and Pakistani missions in Africa, after which guests visited stalls organised by African diplomatic missions displaying food, products and artwork that showcased diverse cultures. The event concluded with renewed calls for practical steps to translate dialogue into increased trade, institutional ties and strengthened Pakistan Africa relations.
