The 1st Africa Diplomatic & Economic Conference 2026 is expected to create new opportunities for trade, investment and economic cooperation 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), Pakistan Chapter.
Speaking at a press conference at the Pearl-Continental Hotel in Karachi on October 19, 2026, Memon expressed confidence that the initiative would help translate diplomatic relations into practical business partnerships, strengthen bilateral commerce and open new markets for Pakistani companies.
He said collaboration between the federation, government institutions and trade organisations could play an important role in expanding Pakistan’s commercial engagement with Africa.
Conference Aims to Strengthen Pakistan–Africa Economic Relations
The conference, organised by the PSCTF Pakistan Chapter, aims to bring together Pakistani business representatives, African diplomatic missions and other stakeholders to explore opportunities for trade, investment and economic cooperation.
Memon said the initiative could help establish stronger commercial links between the two regions, with particular attention to the 16-member SADC bloc.
The event is being held under the theme “Building Bridges of Diplomacy, Trade & Investment for Shared Prosperity.” Its objectives include facilitating business networking, encouraging investment and helping Pakistani companies explore emerging markets across Africa.
Yousuf Dewan Companies Reaffirm Commitment to Cooperation
Dewan Muhammad Yousuf Farooqui, Patron-in-Chief of the PSCTF Pakistan Chapter, welcomed the delegates and participants and described the conference as an opportunity to strengthen Pakistan–Africa relations.
He highlighted the potential for strategic partnerships across industry, technology and sustainable mobility, emphasising the importance of international collaboration in supporting economic development.
“Yousuf Dewan Companies remains committed to Pakistan’s economic development, innovation and global collaboration,” he said, expressing hope that the conference would advance lasting partnerships and shared prosperity between Pakistan and African nations.
PSCTF Calls for New Trade and Investment Opportunities
Syed Moizuddin, President of the PSCTF Pakistan Chapter, stressed the importance of strengthening trade relations with African countries.
He said the conference would provide a practical platform for Pakistani businesses and African diplomatic missions based in Pakistan to identify commercial opportunities, develop collaborative strategies and pursue initiatives that benefit both sides.
Moizuddin reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to promoting stronger trade and investment ties between Pakistan and Africa.
Mohammad Shafiq, Senior Vice President of the PSCTF Pakistan Chapter, also called for concrete measures to expand economic cooperation. He said African markets offered substantial opportunities for business and urged Pakistan to make better use of this potential to strengthen its economy and diversify export destinations.
Diplomats and Business Leaders Expected to Participate
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.
Organisers announced that ambassadors of African countries based in Islamabad, along with consuls general and consuls representing African countries in Karachi, were expected to attend the conference.
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), were also expected to participate.
The gathering is intended to connect diplomatic missions with business leaders and encourage direct engagement between companies seeking trade, sourcing and investment opportunities.
SADC Markets in Focus for Pakistani Businesses
The 16-member Southern African Development Community is a key focus of the initiative. The federation hopes the conference will help Pakistani companies explore opportunities across the region and establish relationships with potential buyers, suppliers and investment partners.
The conference also reflects a broader effort to diversify Pakistan’s international commercial relationships by strengthening engagement with African markets.
Its longer-term impact will depend on whether discussions lead to concrete business agreements, investment commitments and sustained cooperation between companies and institutions.