Rwanda introduces specialty coffee to Pakistan at coffee festival in Islamabad

Special Correspondent

Islamabad: The High Commission of the Republic of Rwanda, in collaboration with Rwanda’s National Agricultural Export Board (NAEB), hosted the Rwanda Coffee Festival 2026 in Islamabad on Wednesday, marking the first dedicated platform to introduce Rwanda’s premium specialty coffee to the Pakistani market.

Held at the Mövenpick Hotel, the event was inaugurated by Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry Prudence Sebahizi, alongside Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Pakistan Harerimana Fatou and NAEB Chief Executive Officer Claude Bizimana. Diplomats, members of parliament, business leaders and a delegation from Rwanda also attended the ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Sebahizi highlighted Rwanda’s transformation into a globally recognised producer of high-quality Arabica specialty coffee, driven by innovation, strict quality standards and sustainability-focused policies. He said Pakistan’s growing consumer market offered strong potential for Rwandan coffee exports and emphasized opportunities for direct sourcing and long-term partnerships with Pakistani importers and businesses.

He also noted Rwanda’s strategic position as a gateway to Africa, citing access to a market of more than 1.2 billion people through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan welcomed the Rwandan delegation and congratulated the High Commission on organising the first-ever Rwanda Coffee Festival in Pakistan. He said the initiative could open new channels for bilateral trade and private-sector collaboration, reaffirming Pakistan’s interest in expanding economic ties with Rwanda.

The minister highlighted opportunities for cooperation in agro-manufacturing, textiles, leather and value-added agricultural products, and said Pakistan was keen to explore Rwanda’s market while facilitating greater access for Rwandan exports, including coffee. He underscored the role of the business community in turning such initiatives into sustainable trade partnerships.

The festival also featured a Rwandan cultural dance performance, offering participants an insight into the country’s heritage. Five leading Rwandan coffee companies showcased a range of coffee varieties, engaging directly with Pakistani importers, coffee professionals and consumers.

Participants widely appreciated the quality, aroma and distinctive flavour profiles of Rwandan coffee, with industry representatives noting its strong potential in Pakistan’s rapidly expanding specialty coffee market.