Islamabad : Special Report
The Rwanda High Commission in Pakistan successfully hosted the first-ever Rwanda Coffee Festival in Islamabad, promoting Rwanda’s specialty Arabica coffee and strengthening trade, investment, and cultural cooperation between Rwanda and Pakistan.
The session opened with welcome remarks by H.E HARERIMANA Fatou, Rwanda High Commissioner to Pakistan welcoming the delegates from Rwanda and all Participants to the Rwanda’s coffee festival at the first time organized by Rwanda Embassy in Pakistan. She highlighted the importance of South-South cooperation and the introducing of Rwanda’s Coffee in Pakistan.
H.E. Mr. Prudence Sebahizi, Minister of Trade and Industry of Rwanda, expressed gratitude to all attendees for their interest in Rwanda Coffee and praised Pakistan’s warm hospitality. He emphasized Rwanda’s business-friendly environment and its strategic position as a gateway to Africa, providing access to nearly 1.5 billion consumers.
Minister Sebahizi also highlighted Rwanda’s interest in importing Pakistani rice, textiles, and pharmaceutical products, noting the popularity and quality of Pakistani Basmati rice in Rwanda.
Describing the Coffee Festival as a celebration of resilience and cultural pride, Minister Sebahizi underscored the importance of strengthening direct trade links, particularly in the coffee sector, through structured import-export supply chains.
He encouraged Pakistani investors to explore opportunities in Rwanda’s coffee industry and emphasized expanding cooperation across agriculture, mining, infrastructure, education, artificial intelligence, and health.
He further noted the need to build on the Trade MoU signed last year to facilitate market access and deepen Pakistan–Rwanda trade and investment cooperation.
The festival was graced by Hon. Muhammad Junaid Anwar, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs of Pakistan, as Chief Guest.
He emphasized the role of coffee diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing maritime connectivity, diversifying supply chains, and fostering long-term partnerships rooted in mutual respect and shared prosperity.
Minister said , the coffee aroma is a strong bond between the two nations for long lasting partnership. He said Pakistani sea ports are gateway for Africa. We are building sea connection with direct shipping line with East Africa from where we can reach Rwanda.
Minister Maritime said there was a big scope for Pakistani businessmen in Africa. They should reach there as soon as possible. He mentioned about Africa House in Pakistan and emphasized to set up Pakistan House in Rwanda.
The participant received the remarks addressed by Mr. Sardar Yasir Ilyas, National Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Tourism, who highlighted the untapped tourism potential between Rwanda and Pakistan. He noted that initiatives such as the Rwanda Coffee Festival not only promote trade and investment but also foster cultural understanding and tourism cooperation between the two countries.
Mr. Claude Bizimana, CEO of the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), presented on the policy-driven transformation of Rwanda’s coffee sector and outlined direct trade opportunities for Pakistani businesses. He also state that “We are here for business”
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed commended Rwanda’s remarkable model of recovery and lauded the visionary leadership of President Paul Kagame, describing Rwanda as a global success story.
He highlighted Rwanda’s achievements in economic development, trade, and innovation, and stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral ties through collaboration in trade, investment, and knowledge exchange.
Mushahid Hussain Sayed suggested concerned authorities to invite President Kagame to visit Pakistan. He said, the President is behind the transformation of Rwanda from a genocide hit nation to a rapidly developing state. He said, Pakistan can learn from the resilience and recovery of Rwanda.
He lauded the cleanliness of this nation. He said , no doubt, Rwanda is the most clean country in Africa. Mushahid appreciated ease of doing business there. He said, there is no red tap there. He said the success of the National Strategy for Transformation can be seen in the 7% growth in current financial year.
The festival also featured a panel discussion with Rwandan coffee exporters and Pakistani importers, deliberating on market access, quality assurance, logistics, branding, and sustainable partnership models to expand the presence of Rwandan coffee in Pakistan.
The Rwanda Coffee Festival 2026 was attended by a large and diverse audience, including diplomats, senior government officials, business leaders, investors, coffee professionals, media representatives, and members of civil society.
The High Commission of the Republic of Rwanda expressed confidence that the festival would serve as a catalyst for sustainable commercial partnerships and further strengthen Rwanda–Pakistan trade and cultural relations.
