Pakistan's Enduring Ties with Africa: Strategic Foundation for Enhanced Engagement

Strategic Insights -

Pakistan has historically provided strategic support to Africa, backing independence movements, participating in UN peacekeeping, and fostering diplomatic relations with many African nations. These ties have strengthened Pakistan's diplomatic standing and positioned the country as a keen advocate of decolonisation and pan-Islamic solidarity. With its legacy of support for African liberation movements, Pakistan now seeks to translate historical goodwill into concrete gains through enhanced diplomatic engagement, expanded trade relations, and revitalised high-level political interactions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pakistan has supported 14 African countries in their struggle for independence, including Algeria, Ghana, Morocco, South Africa, and Tanzania, demonstrating its commitment to pan-Islamic solidarity and decolonisation.
  • Pakistan has been an active participant in UN peacekeeping operations in Africa since 1960, with over 200,000 Pakistani peacekeepers serving in various conflict zones, including Congo, Somalia, Eritrea, and the Central African Republic.
  • As of February 2025, Pakistan had approximately 2803 personnel serving in peacekeeping missions across Africa, including South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Western Sahara, Abyei, and the DRC, solidifying its position among the top five troop-contributing countries.
  • The Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme has provided scholarships to over 1,500 African students and training to thousands of military personnel from partner countries, facilitating capacity-building across Africa.
  • Pakistan's current diplomatic footprint in Africa is limited, with only 20 embassies and modest bilateral trade, peaking at $6.34 billion in FY 2021-22 but declining to $4.44 billion in FY 2022-23.
  • Pakistan's last head-of-state visit to Africa was in 2014 (Nigeria), and high-level political interactions remain rare, underscoring the need for revitalised political engagement to secure major trade deals and attest to Pakistan's serious intent.
  • Pakistan can capitalise on growing African markets by targeting low-cost exports, such as defence equipment, pharmaceuticals, machinery, and IT, and signing trade agreements with regional blocs, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Statistics:

  • Over 200,000 Pakistani peacekeepers have served in UN missions globally, with the majority deployed in African conflict zones.
  • As of February 2025, 2803 Pakistani personnel serve in peacekeeping missions across Africa.
  • Pakistan's bilateral trade with Africa peaked at $6.34 billion in FY 2021-22 but declined to $4.44 billion in FY 2022-23.
  • Pakistan maintains 20 embassies in Africa and engages in forums such as the African Union (AU), the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the UN.
  • The Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme has provided scholarships to over 1,500 African students and training to thousands of military personnel from partner countries.

Sources:

  • Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Pakistan's Ministry of Defence
  • United Nations (UN)
  • African Union (AU)
  • Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)