Proposed 90-Day Action Plan Focuses on Market Access, Buyer-Supplier Linkages and Sector-Based Business Partnerships
Report: ANI Correspondent:
ISLAMABAD –The Pakistan-Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit discussions have highlighted new opportunities to strengthen trade and investment cooperation between Pakistan and African countries through improved market access, targeted buyer-supplier linkages and sector-based business partnerships.
The initiative builds on the objectives of the 1st Africa Diplomatic & Economic Conference 2026, organised by the Pakistan SADC Chamber Trade Federation (PSCTF), Pakistan Chapter. The federation's leadership includes Dewan Muhammad Yousuf Farooqui, Patron-in-Chief, and Muhammad Rafiq Memon, Chairman of PSCTF, Pakistan Chapter.
According to figures attributed to the Ministry of Commerce Year Book and presented at the summit, Pakistan-Africa merchandise trade reached US$4.85 billion in FY2024-25, comprising US$2.24 billion in exports and US$2.61 billion in imports. Total trade was reported at US$5.45 billion in FY2023-24.
Potential areas of cooperation include food and agriculture, textiles and apparel, cement and minerals, machinery, electrical equipment, pharmaceuticals, medical and surgical instruments, leather products, footwear and sports goods.
A preliminary market assessment identified South Africa, Madagascar, Tanzania and Mozambique as potential markets. However, country-specific trade figures require further verification before firm conclusions can be drawn.
The presentation also highlighted Pakistan's imports from African markets, including coal, liquefied natural gas (LNG), phosphoric acid, natural phosphates and refined copper cathodes. These trade links offer opportunities for African exporters while creating scope for Pakistani businesses to expand exports in food products, textiles, cement, minerals and other priority sectors.
A proposed 90-day action plan aims to translate these opportunities into practical business outcomes. Key measures include validating trade data, preparing targeted buyer and supplier lists, assessing tariffs and market-entry requirements, and arranging pilot business meetings for selected product and country combinations.
The discussions underscored the importance of reliable trade data, stronger commercial connections and viable business partnerships in expanding Pakistan-Africa economic cooperation, diversifying supply chains and creating sustainable trade and investment opportunities with SADC member countries.
