Islamabad, July 1, 2026: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi has invited African investors to explore investment opportunities in the province, particularly in hydropower, minerals, agriculture, industry, and human capital development, as Pakistan seeks to strengthen its economic engagement with African countries.
He was addressing the Africa Day Celebration 2026, hosted by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), which brought together ambassadors, high commissioners, senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and representatives of African missions to reaffirm Pakistan’s longstanding ties with Africa and explore new avenues for trade and investment.
Speaking as the chief guest, Governor Kundi said Pakistan’s relationship with Africa has been built on mutual respect, shared struggles against colonialism, and a common commitment to justice, sovereignty, and sustainable development. He said the time had come to transform political goodwill into stronger economic partnerships through enhanced trade, investment, scientific collaboration, higher education, and people-to-people exchanges.
Additional Secretary (Africa) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hamid Asghar described Africa as a continent of immense economic potential, citing its rapidly growing youth population, expanding consumer markets, abundant natural resources, and vast agricultural land.
He informed participants that several African countries were ready to offer thousands of acres of cultivable land for corporate farming initiatives and encouraged Pakistani businesses to undertake targeted trade missions to African markets. He assured the business community of the Foreign Ministry’s full support in expanding commercial engagement with African nations.
ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan-Africa relations through business delegations, institutional partnerships, and investment initiatives. He said the ICCI would continue to serve as a bridge between Pakistani entrepreneurs and African markets to promote joint ventures and sustainable economic cooperation.
Representing the Dean of the African Group, Mauritius High Commissioner Munsoo Kurrimbaccus said Africa’s greatest asset is its youthful population, which offers enormous opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. He noted that the continent’s demographic strength, natural resources, agricultural potential, and tourism sector make Africa a strategic economic partner for Pakistan.
Chairman of the Pakistan-Africa Friendship Association Zafar Bakhtawari emphasized the need to establish direct air connectivity between Pakistan and African countries to facilitate trade, tourism, and business exchanges. He urged the government to prioritize direct flights, saying improved connectivity would unlock the full potential of bilateral economic, political, and cultural relations while helping both sides address common challenges such as climate change, energy security, and sustainable development.
ICCI Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub conducted the proceedings and presented the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to the diplomatic community, government officials, business leaders, and participants for making the event a success.
The ceremony was attended by ambassadors, high commissioners, and diplomats from several African countries, as well as the Ambassador of Türkiye, members of the business community, representatives of public and private sector organizations, ICCI Vice President Irfan Chaudhry, executive members, and leading figures from Pakistan’s trade and industry.
