Karachi, May : The Pakistan-Africa Trade & Investment Conference 2026, organized by the Pakistan SADC Chamber Trade Federation at Karachi Gymkhana on Wednesday, brought together policymakers, diplomats, financial experts and industry leaders to explore new avenues for trade, investment and economic cooperation between Pakistan, African nations and regional partners including Iran.
The one-day conference focused on strengthening Pakistan’s engagement with 16 Southern African Development Community (SADC) nations amid the evolving global economic landscape.
Participants discussed opportunities in sectors including textiles, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, mining, information technology, tourism, financial services, engineering, real estate, chemicals and food industries.
Founder and Chairman of the Pakistan SADC Chamber Trade Federation Muhammad Rafiq Memon said the conference served as a vital platform for connecting Pakistani business leaders, exporters and investors with Africa’s rapidly growing markets.
“Pakistan holds immense export potential and Africa offers emerging opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships. This conference is aimed at creating direct business linkages, encouraging investment and strengthening economic diplomacy between Pakistan and African countries,” he said.
He said the conference reflected the growing importance of strategic cooperation in the current economic environment.
“Pakistan’s private sector is eager to expand its footprint in African markets. Stronger engagement in trade, technology transfer, banking and industrial collaboration can create sustainable economic opportunities for all partner countries,” he remarked.
A special session involving the Iranian delegation focused on regional trade integration, investment opportunities and connectivity through strategic trade corridors. CEO of the Chabahar Free Zone Organization Mohammad Saeed Arbabi highlighted the significance of closer economic cooperation between Pakistan, Iran and African markets through maritime and transit trade.
He said the Chabahar Free Zone could play a pivotal role in enhancing regional connectivity, facilitating logistics and promoting trade between South Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
Commercial Attaché of the Islamic Republic of Iran Murad Naimati stressed the need for greater business-to-business engagement, joint ventures and institutional collaboration to unlock the untapped trade potential between Pakistan and Iran.
Participants from Pakistan, South Africa, Kenya, Algeria and Iran also discussed the importance of technology exchange, tourism promotion, industrial partnerships and investment facilitation for long-term regional economic growth.
The conference featured multiple sessions including financial institutions and banking, information technology, textiles and chemicals, where experts highlighted the need for digital transformation and cross-border partnerships.
