Pakistan’s foreign policy in Africa is based on the principles of mutual respect, cooperation and solidarity with African nations. Pakistan's affiliation with the countries of the African continent dates back to 1950s-1980s. This was an era when most of the African countries were in the midst of freedom struggles against their colonial masters. Since Pakistan also got freedom after its struggle against the British colonial power, there was a natural bond between the two sides. Several African leaders traveled on Pakistani passports to the rest of the world to champion their freedom struggles. Moreover, under the auspices of the UN, Pakistan has contributed 200,000 troops to 46 United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO), most of them in Africa.
During the last few years, there has been growing focus on the African continent from Pakistan. The “Engage Africa” policy was launched by Pakistan in 2019, setting a clear direction for future interaction with Africa. Under the Engage Africa Policy, Pakistan opened five new diplomatic missions in Africa: Rwanda (March 2021), Ivory Coast (February 2022), Uganda (April 2022), Djibouti (May 2022), and Ghana (June 2022). Currently, Pakistan has 20 diplomatic missions in Africa.
Pakistan has been offering capacity building programs to many African countries. Foreign Service Academy, Islamabad has so far trained 775 diplomats from 52 African countries. Under Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme, Pakistan has provided 495 scholarships to students from the African countries and has also trained number of military personnel from many friendly African countries.
Pakistan also actively participates in regional organizations like the African Union (AU) and the African Development Bank (AfDB). Through these platforms, Pakistan engages in dialogue and cooperation on issues of mutual interest including economic cooperation and sustainable development.
Total trade with Africa was US$ 4.44 Billion in 2022-23 of which US$ 2.89 Billion were imports and US$ 1.55 Billion were exports. The top three exports destinations are Kenya, South Africa, and Tanzania. Our Major exportable items to the African countries include rice, textile and clothing, pharmaceutical, cement, agriculture machinery and paper. Our major imports from African countries include coal, petroleum, diphosphorus, tea, cotton and copper.
Algeria
Pakistan and Algeria share friendly ties characterized by mutual respect, expanding economic connections and collaboration at various multilateral fora. Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize the Provisional Government of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria in exile in 1958. The Government of Pakistan had wholeheartedly supported the Algerian struggle for independence from France.
There are two structured bilateral institutional mechanisms envisaging cooperation in diverse areas: Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) established in 2001 and Joint Economic Commission (JEC) set up in 1987. Total bilateral trade in 2021-22 stood at US$ 90 million.
Approximately 100 Pakistanis are residing in different parts of the Algeria.
Djibouti
Pakistan and Djibouti enjoy warm and friendly relations. Under the newly envisaged “Engage Africa Policy”, Pakistan opened its Embassy in Djibouti in May 2022.
Pakistan has multifaceted relations with Djibouti including educational, cultural and trade ties. The bilateral trade volume amounted to US$ 44.4 million in 2022-2023. Imports currently stand at US$ 1.1 million and exports to Djibouti are US$ 43.3 million. Pakistan’s major exports to Djibouti are woven fabrics, cotton, textiles, chemical products, pharmaceuticals and ceramic products.
Pakistan offers various capacity building training programmes to Djibouti in the fields of diplomacy, banking and postal services.
Approximately 400 Pakistanis are residing in different parts of the Djibouti. Most of them are skilled workers, professionals, businessmen and traders.
Ethiopia
Pakistan and Ethiopia maintain warm and amicable relations, characterized by mutual respect, expanding economic connections, and collaboration at various international fora. Pakistan's diplomatic relations with Ethiopia were established in 1973 when President Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto visited Ethiopia and inaugurated Pakistan’s Embassy in Addis Ababa. The Ethiopian Government established its Embassy in Islamabad in 2022.
Both countries have signed Bilateral Trade Agreement in February 2023. Pakistan mainly exports healthcare products, chemicals, machinery, sugar, rice, and textiles to Ethiopia. Whereas, Pakistan mainly imports red kidney beans, chickpeas, pulses, hides and skins, tea and coffee from Ethiopia. In 2023, the Ethiopian airlines commenced direct flight from Addis Ababa to Karachi twice a week further boosting the bilateral relations.
Approximately 200-250 Pakistanis are residing in different parts of the Ethiopia and most of them are skilled workers, professionals, businessmen and traders.
Ghana
Pakistan and Ghana foster a relationship characterized by warmth and friendliness, grounded in mutual respect, the deepening of economic ties, and collaborative efforts at multilateral fora. Pakistan established its High Commission in Accra in 1963.
The Memorandum of Understanding establishing Joint Business Council between Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce (FPCCI) and Ghana National Chambers of Commerce (GNCCI) was signed on 23rd February 2023 at Lahore.
The total bilateral trade volume in 2022-23 stood at US$ 48.359 million with Exports US$ 44.797 million and Imports worth US $ 3.562 million. Pakistan’s major exports include rice, linen, cotton/textile products, ethyl alcohol, tractors and cement clinkers. Pakistan imports cocoa paste from Ghana.
Pakistan has been offering training courses to the Ghanian officials. Ghanaian diplomats have been trained at the Foreign Service Academy (FSA) Islamabad. Few railway engineers have been trained at Pakistan Railway Academy.
Approximately 500 Pakistanis are residing in different parts of the Ghana.They include businessmen in the sectors of IT, electronics, interior décorand fintech.
Ivory Coast
Pakistan and Ivory Coast share affable relations, strengthened by mutual respect, burgeoning economic connections, and collaborative efforts at various multilateral fora. Under “Engage Africa” policy Pakistan opened its Mission in Abidjan in 2022.
The total bilateral trade volume in 2021-22 stood at US$ 214.82 million with Exports US$ 38.25 million and Imports worth US $ 176.56 million.
Approximately 200 Pakistanis are residing in different parts of Ivory Coast.
Kenya
Pakistan and Kenya enjoy cordial relations underpinned by mutual respect, growing economic ties and cooperation at multilateral fora. Pakistan's diplomatic relations with Kenya were established in 1964. Former President Zia-ul-Haq visited Kenya in 1978 to attend the funeral of the late President Jomo Kenyatta, founding father of Kenya.
Kenya is one of the biggest trading partners in Africa for Pakistan while Pakistan is one the largest export market for Kenya. Total bilateral trade in 2022-23 stood at US$ 781.28 Million.
Trade between the two countries is dominated by two commodities i.e. rice and tea. Pakistan is the largest buyer of Kenyan tea in the world while Kenya is the largest destination for Pakistani basmati and non-basmati rice in the world.
Pakistan and Kenya established a Joint Ministerial Commission in 1992. Three sessions of the JMC have taken place. The two sides have alsoestablished the Joint Trade and Investment Committee (JTIC). The first session of the JTIC was held in April 2021.
There are approximately 22,500 Pakistanis living in Kenya.
Libya
Pakistan and Libya share warm relations characterized by mutual respect, expanding economic ties, and collaboration at multilateral fora. Our diplomatic relations with Libya were established in December 1951.
Joint Ministerial Commission agreement between the two countries was signed in 1974. The MoU on Bilateral Political Consultations between Pakistan and Libya was signed on 2nd May 2009.
The total Bilateral Trade volume between Pakistan and Libya in2022-23 stood at US$ 19.04 million with Exports US$ 9.53 million and Imports US$ 9.51 million
Pakistan has been providing training courses to Libyan officers. Under Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme (PTAP), Pakistan offers scholarships to the Libyan students.
There are approximately 4500 Pakistanis living in Libya.
Mauritius
Pakistan and Mauritius enjoy friendly relations. Pakistan established its mission in Port Louis in 1969. Mechanism of Bilateral Political Consultations with Mauritius was established in 2004. A Joint working group on trade was also established in 2005.
Pakistan and Mauritius have signed Preferential Trade Agreement in 2007. Total bilateral trade in 2022-23 stood at US$ 35.85 million with Exports US$ 34.25 million and Imports US$ 1.6 million
There are approximately 400 Pakistanis living in Mauritius.
Morocco
Pakistan and Morocco enjoy cordial relations underpinned by mutual respect, growing economic ties and cooperation at multilateral fora. Pakistan established diplomatic relations with Morocco in 1958. Our support during the Moroccan struggle for liberation in the 1950s is still remembered and common faith and cultural similarities help sustain historical bonds.
Bilateral trade volume stood at US$ 1005 Million in 2021-22 with Imports US$ 972.61 Million and Exports US$ 32.37 Million.
There are approximately 200 Pakistanis living in Morocco.
Niger
Pakistan and Niger maintain amicable relations, grounded in mutual respect, strengthening economic ties, and collaborative efforts at various multilateral fora. In November 2020, both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Bilateral Political Consultations.
The total bilateral trade stood at US$ 40.1 Million in 2020-21.
Under Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme,Pakistan offers scholarships to Nigerian students.
There are approximately 100 Pakistanis living in Niger.
Nigeria
Pakistan and Nigeria share friendly ties characterized by mutual respect, expanding economic connections, and collaboration at various multilateral fora. Pakistan established diplomatic relations with Nigeria on 22nd March 1961.
Bilateral trade volume stood at US$ 241.79 Million in 2022-23 with Exports US$ 31.28Million and Imports US$ 210.51 Million.
The two countries enjoy excellent relations in defence and military domains. Nigerian Air Force has inducted 3 JF-17 Thunder jets and 10 Super Mushak aircrafts in their fleet procured from Pakistan.
Under Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme, Pakistan offers scholarships to Nigerian students.
There are approximately 2500 Pakistanis living in Nigeria.
Rwanda
Pakistan and Rwanda enjoy friendly relations underpinned by mutual respect, growing economic ties and cooperation at multilateral fora. Pakistan’s High Commission at Kigali was opened in March 2021.
Total trade volume between the two countries is US$ 16 million with Imports US$ 15.8 million and Exports US$ 0.01 million.
Under Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme, Pakistan offers scholarships to Rwandan students.
There are approximately 500 Pakistanis living in Rwanda.
Senegal
Pakistan and Senegal enjoy friendly relations underpinned by mutual respect, growing economic ties and cooperation at multilateral fora. Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1960. Pakistan established its Embassy in Dakar in 1966.
Joint Ministerial Commission was set up in 2001. Its first session was held in Dakar in 2017. Pakistan Senegal Joint Business Council was set up in 2017. Its last session was held in Karachi in 2023.
Total trade volume between the two countries in 2022-23 stood at US$ 66.15 million with Imports US$ 66.00 million and Exports US$ 0.15 million.
Under Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme Pakistan offers scholarships to Senegalese students.
There are approximately 200 Pakistanis living in Senegal.
South Africa
Pakistan and South Africa maintain cordial relations supported by mutual respect, strengthening economic connections and collaboration at multilateral fora.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1994. Pakistan was among the first countries that President Nelson Mandela visited after his release from 27-years long prison. He was awarded Nishan-e-Pakistan and Nishan-e-Quaid-e-Azam.
Joint Commission (JC) between Pakistan and South Africa was established in 1999. Four meetings of JC have been held so far.
Total Bilateral trade in 2021-22 stood at US$ 2 billion with Exports US$ 238 Million and Imports are US$ 1835 Million. Top three export items from Pakistan are cotton fabric, paper and paperboard & home textiles whereas the top three import items from South Africa are coal, iron waste and products of iron &steel.
Approximately 200,000 Pakistanis are currentlyresiding in South Africa. Most of them are employed in small businesses.
Tanzania
Pakistan and Tanzania have cordial relations, strengthened by mutual respect, increasing economic connections and collaboration at multilateral forums.Pakistan established its High Commission in Dar-es-Salaam in 1967.
MoUs on Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) and MoU on Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation were signed in December 2020..
The volume of Pakistan-Tanzania bilateral trade in 2022-23 stood at US$210 million.
Pakistan has been offering training programsto Tanzanian diplomats, bankers, railways and postal service officers. Under Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme, Pakistan offers scholarships to Tanzanian students.
There are approximately 3000 Pakistanis living in Tanzania.
Tunisia
Pakistan and Tunisia maintain friendly relations, reinforced by mutual respect, growing economic linkages and collaboration at various multilateral fora. Pakistan and Tunisia established formal diplomatic relations in 1957. Pakistan set up its Embassy in Tunis on 25th March 1958. Tunisia established its Embassy in Pakistan in 1982.
Joint Ministerial commission (JMC) agreement was established in 1982. MoU for Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) was concluded in 2001.
Bilateral trade between the two countries in 2022-2023 stood at US$ 18.19 million.
Under Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme, Pakistan offers scholarships to Tunisian students.
There are approximately 50 Pakistanis living in Tunisia.
Uganda
Pakistan and Uganda uphold friendly relationship, bolstered by mutual respect, deepening economic ties, and cooperation at multilateral fora.The Government of Pakistan re-opened its High Commission in Kampala, Uganda in April, 2022.
The volume of bilateral trade between Pakistan and Uganda in 2022-23 stood at US$ 42.40 million.
Under Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme, Pakistan offers scholarships to Ugandan students.
There are approximately 10000 Pakistanis living in Uganda.
Zimbabwe
Pakistan and Zimbabwe enjoy friendly relations underpinned by mutual respect, growing economic ties and cooperation at multilateral fora. Pakistan established diplomatic relations with the Republic of Zimbabwe in November 1980. Pakistan's support in the liberation struggle and contributions to Zimbabwe’s independence has created lasting appreciation from the government and people of Zimbabwe.
Total Bilateral Trade between the two countries in 2021-22 stood at US$ 30.8 million with Exports US$ 9.28 millionand Imports US$ 21.52 million.
Defence cooperation has been a cornerstone of the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Zimbabwe. Air Marshal Azim Daudpota of the Pakistan Air Force was the first Air Chief of the Zimbabwean Air Force.
Under Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme, Pakistan offers scholarships to Zimbabwean students.
There are approximately 700 Pakistanis living in Zimbabwe.