Addis Ababa, November 20, 2025 (FMC) — Africa and Malaysia reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation across trade, industry, and education as Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim paid a historic official visit to the African Union Commission (AUC) on Wednesday.
He was received by Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AUC, marking the first visit by a Malaysian prime minister to the continental body.
Youssouf welcomed the engagement, describing it as a milestone in Africa–Malaysia relations and expressing confidence that it would open new pathways for strategic collaboration. He highlighted the momentum in bilateral ties, noting that Malaysia–Africa trade surpassed 7.5 billion US dollars in 2024, a growth of over 20 percent in two years.
Malaysian exports, including more than 600 million dollars in palm oil, alongside new agreements such as a partnership with Kenya on agro-industrial value chains, demonstrate the expanding economic relationship.
Education remains another pillar of the partnership. Youssouf noted that over 40,000 young Africans have studied in Malaysia since 2012 under the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme.
He added that Malaysia’s upcoming ASEAN chairmanship in 2025, coupled with its application to join BRICS, could further strengthen institutional dialogue, cross-investment, and collaborative efforts for a fairer global economic order.
The discussions also highlighted concrete opportunities in joint industrial hubs, sustainable agri-food chains, university alliances, and youth training programs.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation in digital innovation, South–South trade, investment promotion, agro-industrial development, education, and capacity-building, leveraging Malaysia’s development experience alongside Africa’s dynamic markets and the AfCFTA integration agenda.
Prime Minister Anwar hailed the growing Malaysia–Africa partnership across trade, agri-business, and education, expressing optimism that both sides will continue to benefit from expanded cooperation in multiple sectors.
He was accompanied by senior Malaysian officials, including the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, the Minister of Federal Territories, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and his Economic Advisor.