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Africa: The Prime Minister of Malaysia Makes Historic Visit to the African Union Commission

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Africa: The Prime Minister of Malaysia Makes Historic Visit to the African Union Commission


Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim today paid a historic official visit to the African Union Commission (AUC), where he was received by H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AUC. This first-ever visit by a Malaysian Prime Minister marks a significant milestone in Africa-Malaysia relations.

Welcoming the Prime Minister, the Chairperson expressed confidence that the engagement would open new pathways for strategic cooperation. He highlighted the strong momentum in bilateral ties, noting that in 2024, Malaysia-Africa trade surpassed 7.5 billion US dollars, rising by over 20% in two years. With more than 600 million dollars in Malaysian palm oil exports to Africa and new agreements such as the one with Kenya on agro-industrial value chains, the partnership continues to deepen.

The Chairperson also underscored education as another pillar of Africa-Malaysia friendship, emphasising that more than 40,000 young Africans have studied in Malaysia since 2012 under the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme. He further stated that as Malaysia prepares to chair ASEAN in 2025, Africa stands to benefit from strengthened institutional dialogue, expanded cross-investment, and enhanced cooperation. Malaysia’s application to join BRICS, he added, will reinforce joint advocacy for a fairer global economic order.


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Looking ahead, he highlighted concrete opportunities in joint industrial hubs, sustainable agri-food chains, university alliances, and youth training programmes. He also proposed the establishment of an AU-Malaysia Dialogue beginning next year to define shared strategic priorities.

The discussions reaffirmed a mutual commitment to deepen cooperation in digital innovation, South-South trade, investment promotion, agro-industrial development, education, and capacity-building. Both leaders recognised the potential to leverage Malaysia’s development experience alongside Africa’s dynamic markets and the continental integration agenda under the AfCFTA.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hailed the growing Malaysia-Africa ties in key sectors, including trade, agri-business, and education, and expressed optimism that both sides will continue to benefit from expanded cooperation across multiple areas.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by senior Malaysian officials, including the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry; the Minister (Federal Territories); the Secretary-General of MOFA Malaysia; and his Economic Advisor.