Bangladesh emphasises growing engagement with African nations: Shama Obaed

Bangladesh has emphasised growing engagement with African nations, recognising the continent’s potential in the changing global scenario under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, said State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam.

She made the remarks while holding a series of bilateral meetings in Dakar, Senegal, yesterday (21 April), on the sidelines of the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa.

Her discussions with African counterparts opened new avenues for partnership, revitalised diplomatic ties and highlighted a shared commitment to expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, according to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs press release.

As economic engagement with traditional US and EU markets slows, Bangladesh is increasing its focus on Africa.

Trade with the continent has reached nearly $4 billion, based on data from the Export Promotion Bureau, Bangladesh Bank and the National Board of Revenue.

African countries exported goods worth $3,757.8 million to Bangladesh in the 2022-23 fiscal year, $2,839 in 2023-24, $2,900 in 2024-25 and $2,009.1 during July to January of the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Bangladesh exported goods worth $367 million to African countries in 2022-23, $386.5 million in 2023-24, $417.7 in 2024-25 and $271 million during the July to January period of the 2025-26 fiscal year.

In a meeting with Guinea’s Foreign Minister Morissanda Kouyaté, both sides agreed to strengthen collaboration in agriculture, particularly contract farming, and enhance trade and investment through increased business-to-business exchanges.

Mineral resources, garments, textiles and pharmaceuticals were identified as key sectors. During talks with Gambia’s Foreign Minister Sering Modou Njie, the state minister appreciated the country’s support on the Rohingya crisis, including its case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice.

The Gambian minister praised Bangladesh’s role in UN peacekeeping. Both sides emphasised cooperation in multilateral forums such as the OIC and in sectors including trade, defence, technology, agriculture, culture and sports.

In a separate meeting with Mali’s Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop, discussions focused on boosting trade and investment in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, ready-made garments, jute, cotton and leather.

Mali expressed gratitude for Bangladesh’s role in peacekeeping operations. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation within the Non-Aligned Movement and advance Global South interests.

The state minister also met Niger’s Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangaré, where discussions centred on strengthening business linkages, expanding trade and enhancing people-to-people connectivity. Cooperation in education, vocational training, agriculture, healthcare, information technology and mineral resources was discussed.

In her meeting with Angola’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Esmeralda Bravo Conde da Silva Mendonça, both sides highlighted cooperation in trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, ready-made garments, jute and energy.

They also emphasised finalising a Memorandum of Understanding on Foreign Office Consultations and discussed collaboration on women’s empowerment, democracy, peace and security, along with mutual support in international forums.

Richard Michaels, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State of the United States, also met the state minister.

She described the US as a steadfast partner in promoting democracy, strengthening institutions and advancing human rights.

The state minister said that while Bangladesh and African countries cooperate in multilateral settings, there is a need for regular bilateral political consultations to deepen mutual understanding and unlock partnership potential.

Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Morocco and Ambassador-designate to Senegal, Sadia Faizunnesa, accompanied the state minister during the meetings.