The first Africa Diplomatic and Economic Conference 2026 is expected to strengthen trade and investment ties between Pakistan and African countries, particularly members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), according to Muhammad Rafiq Memon, chairman of the Pakistan SADC Chamber Trade Federation (PSCTF).
Speaking at a press conference at the Pearl-Continental Hotel in Karachi on Monday, Memon said the initiative could help translate diplomatic relations into practical business partnerships and open new avenues for bilateral trade.
He expressed confidence that cooperation between the PSCTF, government institutions and trade bodies would help expand Pakistan’s economic engagement with African markets.
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The media briefing was held a day before the conference, which aims to connect Pakistani businesses with African diplomatic missions and identify opportunities for trade, investment and wider economic cooperation.
Conference to Promote Strategic Partnerships
Dewan Muhammad Yousuf Farooqui, patron-in-chief of the PSCTF, welcomed the delegates and participants, describing the conference as an opportunity to strengthen Pakistan–Africa relations and encourage partnerships across industry, technology and sustainable mobility.
“Yousuf Dewan Companies remains committed to Pakistan’s economic development, innovation and global collaboration,” he said, expressing hope that the event would promote lasting partnerships, practical cooperation and shared prosperity between Pakistan and African nations.
Syed Moizuddin, president of the PSCTF Pakistan Chapter, said the initiative would bring Pakistani business representatives and African diplomatic missions together to explore new commercial opportunities.
He said the conference would provide a platform for stakeholders to develop joint strategies, identify mutually beneficial initiatives and strengthen business links between the two regions.
Moizuddin reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to expanding trade and investment cooperation between Pakistan and Africa.
Africa Offers Opportunities for Pakistani Exports
Mohammad Shafiq, senior vice president of the PSCTF Pakistan Chapter, stressed the need for practical measures to turn trade opportunities into tangible economic outcomes.
He said African markets offered considerable potential for business cooperation and urged Pakistan to explore these opportunities to diversify exports and strengthen its economy.
The press conference was also addressed by Bakhtiyar Ahmed Farooqui, chairman of the PSCTF Economic Advisory Council, and Ikram Ullah Jan, president of the federation’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter.
Their remarks highlighted the role of business organisations and trade representatives in developing stronger commercial links between Pakistan and African economies.
Diplomats and Business Leaders Expected to Attend
The conference will be held under the theme, “Building Bridges of Diplomacy, Trade & Investment for Shared Prosperity.”
According to the organisers, the event aims to facilitate business networking, encourage investment and help Pakistani companies explore markets across Africa, with particular attention to the 16-member Southern African Development Community.
Ambassadors of African countries based in Islamabad, along with consuls general and consuls representing African countries in Karachi, are expected to attend.
Presidents and chief executives of major trade associations and chambers of commerce and industry, as well as representatives of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), are also expected to participate.
The organisers hope the gathering will create stronger links between diplomatic missions and the private sector, helping businesses identify potential partners and develop new trade opportunities.
The conference comes as Pakistan seeks to broaden its international commercial relationships and access new export markets. Its longer-term impact will depend on whether the discussions lead to concrete business agreements, investment commitments and sustained cooperation between Pakistani and African stakeholders.
