Commerce Desk
Islamabad, October 28, 2026: A Pakistan–SADC summit discussion highlighted ways to strengthen commercial ties between Pakistan and the Southern African Development Community through better market access, targeted buyer-supplier links and sector-based partnerships. It builds on the 1st Africa Diplomatic & Economic Conference 2026, organised by the Pakistan SADC Chamber Trade Federation (PSCTF), Pakistan Chapter, led by Patron-in-Chief Dewan Muhammad Yousuf Farooqui and Chairman Muhammad Rafiq Memon.
Citing Ministry of Commerce Year Book figures, the presentation said Pakistan–Africa merchandise trade reached US$4.85 billion in FY2024-25, made up of US$2.24 billion in exports and US$2.61 billion in imports, compared with US$5.45 billion in total trade in FY2023-24.
Promising sectors include food and agriculture, textiles and apparel, cement and minerals, machinery, electrical equipment, pharmaceuticals, medical instruments, leather, footwear and sports goods. South Africa, Madagascar, Tanzania and Mozambique were flagged in a preliminary market scan, though country-level figures need further verification. Pakistan’s imports from Africa, including coal, LNG, phosphoric acid, natural phosphates and refined copper cathodes, offer scope for African exporters too.
A proposed 90-day action plan would validate trade data, compile targeted buyer and supplier lists, assess tariffs and entry requirements, and hold pilot business meetings for selected product-country pairings. Participants stressed reliable data and commercially viable partnerships as keys to expanding cooperation and strengthening supply chains.
