The partnership will be implemented under Pakistan’s “Look Africa Policy,” an initiative aimed at expanding the country’s trade and economic engagement with African nations.
The agreement will establish a framework for promoting bilateral trade by creating a Pakistan–Rwanda Joint Trade Committee, facilitating regular consultations between government officials, and strengthening collaboration between business communities in both countries.
Pakistan first shared a draft trade cooperation agreement with Rwanda in July 2018.
Following years of diplomatic consultations, ministerial discussions, and virtual meetings between officials from both countries, Pakistan and Rwanda agreed to replace the original draft with a broader and more practical agreement that is easier to implement.
The Pakistani government’s approval has paved the way for the signing of the final agreement, which will promote cooperation between the private sectors of both countries, organize trade fairs and business exhibitions, strengthen collaboration between business associations, establish a Joint Business Council, encourage joint investment projects, facilitate the exchange of trade information, and address non-tariff barriers to trade.
Pakistan launched its Look Africa Policy in 2017 to increase exports, attract investment, and strengthen economic relations with African countries.
The policy seeks to diversify Pakistan’s export markets through diplomacy, trade agreements, private-sector partnerships, and participation in trade exhibitions across Africa.
The initiative aligns with Rwanda’s economic ambitions, as the country has emerged as one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies and is increasingly recognized as a regional hub for trade and investment. This makes Rwanda an important strategic partner for Pakistan as it seeks to expand its commercial presence on the continent.
Rwanda and Pakistan already cooperate in several sectors, including education, political consultations, diplomacy, defense and security, trade, and other areas.
In April 2026, Rwanda participated in the Pakistan International Travel Mart, where it showcased the country’s tourism attractions and unique natural heritage.
The two countries have also strengthened diplomatic relations in recent years. Rwanda officially inaugurated its embassy in Pakistan in 2025, while Pakistan opened its embassy in Rwanda in 2021.
That same year, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, announced that the two countries were discussing ways to boost trade and tourism, including plans to introduce direct flights between Rwanda and Pakistan in the future.
On July 15, 2024, Ambassador Fatou Harerimana presented her credentials to Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari, officially assuming her role as Rwanda’s ambassador to Pakistan.
Pakistan is among the major importers of several Rwandan products, including tea, coffee, avocados, and other agricultural goods.
Meanwhile, Rwanda imports medical equipment, rice, textile manufacturing materials, agricultural technology equipment, and other products from Pakistan.
