The first Africa Diplomatic and Economic Conference 2026 aims to strengthen trade and investment ties between Pakistan and African countries, according to Muhammad Rafiq Memon, Chairman of the Pakistan SADC Chamber Trade Federation (PSCTF).

Memon expressed confidence that the conference would create new opportunities for economic cooperation. He said the initiative could help turn diplomatic relations into practical trade and investment partnerships.

He also highlighted the Federation’s efforts to promote trade with African countries, particularly members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). According to Memon, cooperation with government institutions and trade organisations could help Pakistani businesses explore new markets.

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Memon shared these views during a PSCTF press conference at the Pearl-Continental Hotel in Karachi on October 19. The briefing took place a day before the conference and outlined its objectives.

Conference to Promote Business Partnerships

Dewan Muhammad Yousuf Farooqui, Patron-in-Chief of the PSCTF, welcomed the delegates and participants. He said the conference offered an opportunity to strengthen relations between Pakistan and Africa.

He also highlighted potential partnerships in industry, technology and sustainable mobility.

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

Farooqui expressed hope that the event would encourage practical cooperation, lasting partnerships and shared prosperity between Pakistan and African countries.

Meanwhile, Syed Moizuddin, President of the PSCTF Pakistan Chapter, stressed the importance of expanding trade relations with African markets.

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

Moizuddin added that the event would help stakeholders develop joint strategies and identify initiatives that benefit businesses in both regions. He also reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan–Africa economic ties.

Leaders Highlight Africa’s Business Potential

Mohammad Shafiq, Senior Vice President of the PSCTF Pakistan Chapter, called for practical measures to increase trade and investment.

He said African markets offered significant opportunities for business cooperation. Therefore, he urged Pakistan to explore these opportunities and develop new export markets.

The press conference also featured remarks from Bakhtiyar Ahmed Farooqui, Chairman of the PSCTF Economic Advisory Council, and Ikram Ullah Jan, President of the PSCTF Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chapter.

Their participation highlighted the Federation’s efforts to engage business communities across Pakistan in expanding economic ties with Africa.

Diplomats and Business Representatives Expected

The conference will take place under the theme “Building Bridges of Diplomacy, Trade & Investment for Shared Prosperity.”

Organisers aim to facilitate business networking, encourage investment and help Pakistani companies explore markets across Africa, particularly within the Southern African Development Community.

The SADC comprises 16 member states, providing a regional platform for economic cooperation and trade development.

According to the organisers, ambassadors of African countries based in Islamabad will attend the conference. Consuls general and consuls representing African countries in Karachi are also expected to participate.

In addition, the event is expected to bring together presidents and chief executives of major trade associations and chambers of commerce and industry. Representatives of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) are also expected.

The organisers hope the conference will create new business connections and identify opportunities for stronger commercial engagement between Pakistan and African markets.