Kigali (GNP): The Rwanda-Pakistan Investment Forum 2026 opened in Kigali on Wednesday, bringing together government and private-sector representatives from both countries to promote trade, investment and business collaboration over three days.
The forum, running from 23 to 25 September, is organised by the Rwanda High Commission in Pakistan in collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board. It brings Pakistani business leaders, investors, exporters, manufacturers and entrepreneurs together with Rwandan government institutions and private-sector stakeholders.
High Commissioner Harerimana Fatou said the forum represents a broader effort to transform Rwanda-Pakistan relations into a stronger partnership spanning trade, investment, technology, manufacturing and business-to-business cooperation.
Today’s programme includes discussions on investment opportunities, the signing of a bilateral trade agreement, and direct interactions between Rwandan and Pakistani businesses. Fatou described the signing of the Rwanda-Pakistan Bilateral Trade Agreement as a milestone in strengthening ties between the two countries.
Investment opportunities being explored at the forum span manufacturing, agribusiness, information and communications technology, mining, tourism, logistics, renewable energy, healthcare and financial services.
The event also features a special “Made in Pakistan” exhibition, giving Pakistani companies a platform to showcase their products and explore markets in Rwanda and the wider African region.
Also Read: Rwanda’s Gender Equality Model Draws Global Attention
Rwanda has expressed particular interest in engaging Pakistani businesses in pharmaceuticals and textiles, sectors where Pakistan holds established industrial capabilities, while identifying products including rice, medical equipment and sports goods as areas of export potential.
Organisers say Rwanda offers investors access to the East African Community market of more than 300 million consumers, as well as the African Continental Free Trade Area, covering over 1.4 billion people. Rwanda also permits full foreign ownership across all sectors and places no restrictions on capital movement.
Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Patron-in-Chief of the Pakistan Africa Economic Council, is leading the Pakistani business delegation to the forum, describing it as an important initiative as East Africa emerges as a growing destination for global investment.
The two sides have also discussed exploring a Bilateral Investment Treaty in the future, as part of efforts to strengthen the legal and institutional foundation for investment between Rwanda and Pakistan.
Harerimana Fatou said, “Rwanda is not only a market but a destination for investment, production, joint ventures and regional expansion.”
Managing Editor at Global News Pakistan (GNP), with a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Riphah International University, graduated with a Gold Medal. Reach out at sabahtareengnp@gmail.com
