Pakistan and African countries have reaffirmed their target of increasing bilateral trade to $15 billion by 2030, as both sides look to broaden economic relations, strengthen commercial engagement and explore investment opportunities across a wider range of sectors. The commitment was reiterated during the launch ceremony of the Pakistan-Africa Economic Council (PAEC) in Islamabad, where representatives from several African countries joined Pakistani officials and business stakeholders to discuss ways to expand trade and investment links.
The launch ceremony was attended by ambassadors, high commissioners and consuls general representing a number of African countries, highlighting growing diplomatic and commercial interest in stronger economic cooperation with Pakistan. Representatives from Rwanda, Mauritius, Morocco, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Kenya and Ethiopia participated in the event, according to a press release issued after the ceremony. The participation of officials from these countries provided a platform to discuss opportunities for expanding bilateral business activity and improving commercial connections between Pakistan and African markets.
Pakistan and its African partners agreed to promote mutual investment and strengthen trade ties by making better use of opportunities in sectors where Pakistani businesses have export potential. Speakers at the event highlighted several areas where Pakistani products and services could gain greater access to African markets. The discussions also focused on the importance of expanding commercial engagement so that trade between the two sides can move beyond existing flows and develop into a broader economic partnership.
Federal Minister for Defence Production Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj said the establishment of the new forum would support efforts to strengthen economic and trade relations between Pakistan and African countries. The Pakistan-Africa Economic Council is expected to provide a platform for greater engagement between businesses and relevant stakeholders, helping identify opportunities for cooperation and encouraging more structured interaction between Pakistan and African economies.
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi also highlighted the economic potential available through stronger Pakistan-Africa relations. He said the expanding African market, combined with Pakistan’s emerging economy, presented significant opportunities for mutual growth. Greater engagement with African economies could allow Pakistani exporters to explore new markets while also creating opportunities for investment and commercial partnerships between companies on both sides.
The $15 billion bilateral trade target for 2030 represents a significant expansion from current trade levels and will require sustained growth in two-way commerce over the coming years. Achieving the target is expected to depend on greater diversification of traded goods and services, improved market access and stronger investment flows. Both sides will need to identify sectors where their respective businesses can develop long-term commercial relationships and reduce barriers that limit the expansion of trade.
The renewed focus on Africa also gives Pakistan an opportunity to broaden its international trade relationships by developing markets beyond its traditional trading partners. African economies offer a wide and diverse consumer and business market, while Pakistani companies have potential in areas including goods and services where the country already maintains export capabilities. Strengthening commercial networks and improving awareness of market opportunities will be important for businesses seeking to enter or expand their presence in African countries.
The launch of the Pakistan-Africa Economic Council comes as both sides seek to turn broader diplomatic relations into stronger economic and investment partnerships. With the $15 billion target set for 2030, the focus will now be on converting identified opportunities into actual trade and investment activity. Greater private-sector participation, improved market access and continued engagement between government and business representatives will be central to efforts to expand Pakistan-Africa economic ties over the next several years.
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