Pakistan–Africa Conference Aims to Boost Trade and Investment, Says Rafiq Memon

KARACHI, October 19, 2026: Pakistan and African countries could expand trade and investment through stronger diplomatic and business partnerships, said Muhammad Rafiq Memon, Chairman of the Pakistan SADC Chamber Trade Federation (PSCTF), Pakistan Chapter.

Memon expressed confidence that the 1st Africa Diplomatic & Economic Conference 2026 would mark an important step towards strengthening economic cooperation between Pakistan and Africa.

He shared his views at a press conference organised by PSCTF at the Pearl-Continental Hotel in Karachi on October 19. The briefing outlined the conference’s objectives ahead of its scheduled opening.

Memon said the initiative could turn diplomatic relations into practical trade and investment partnerships. He also expressed hope that cooperation with government institutions and trade bodies would help increase bilateral trade, particularly with members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Conference to Promote Business Partnerships

Dewan Muhammad Yousuf Farooqui, Patron-in-Chief of PSCTF’s Pakistan Chapter, welcomed the delegates and participants.

He said the conference offered an opportunity to strengthen Pakistan–Africa relations. It would also encourage trade and strategic partnerships across industries, technology and sustainable mobility.

“Yousuf Dewan Companies remains committed to Pakistan’s economic development, innovation and global collaboration,” Farooqui said.

He expressed hope that the gathering would promote meaningful cooperation, lasting partnerships and shared prosperity between Pakistan and African nations.

PSCTF Highlights New Trade Opportunities

Syed Moizuddin, President of PSCTF’s Pakistan Chapter, stressed the importance of stronger trade relations with African countries.

He said the initiative aimed to bring Pakistani business representatives together with African diplomatic missions based in Pakistan. The discussions would explore opportunities for trade, investment and economic cooperation.

Moizuddin added that the conference would give stakeholders a practical platform to develop joint strategies. These efforts could help identify initiatives that benefit businesses in both regions.

He reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan–Africa trade and investment ties.

Mohammad Shafiq, Senior Vice President of PSCTF’s Pakistan Chapter, called for concrete measures to expand economic cooperation. He said African markets offered significant business opportunities.

He urged Pakistan to make better use of this potential, strengthen its economy and explore new export destinations.

African Diplomats and Business Leaders Expected

Bakhtiyar Ahmed Farooqui, Chairman of PSCTF’s Economic Advisory Council, and Ikram Ullah Jan, President of the federation’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter, also addressed the press conference.

The conference will be held under the theme “Building Bridges of Diplomacy, Trade & Investment for Shared Prosperity.” Its objectives include facilitating business networking, encouraging investment and helping Pakistani companies explore African markets.

The initiative will particularly focus on the 16-member Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Organisers announced that African ambassadors based in Islamabad and consuls general and consuls representing African countries in Karachi were expected to attend.

Representatives of major trade associations, chambers of commerce and industry, and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) were also expected to participate.

The conference aims to strengthen links between diplomatic missions and the business community. It also seeks to identify practical opportunities for trade, investment and long-term economic cooperation between Pakistan and African countries.