First Africa business platform launched

The Pakistan-Africa Economic Council (PAEC) will be formally launched this Friday, opening a fresh channel for Pakistani firms to widen trade and investment ties with Africa's fast-growing markets. The council is described as Pakistan's first Africa entrepreneurship platform authorised and registered by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. It aims to link Pakistani and overseas entrepreneurs and investors with project opportunities in Pakistan and selected African states.

A release issued on Tuesday cited Africa's population of about 1.59 billion and the council's goal of deeper trade engagement between Pakistani businesses and African economies. Initially the council will concentrate on East Africa, naming Rwanda, Ethiopia, Uganda and Djibouti, before engaging Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan. Its stated aim is that such partnerships will drive industry, create jobs and strengthen regional connections.

Its main asset, according to the council, is a set of seasoned manufacturing and trade contacts at home, backed by working relationships with African firms and government bodies. Two business opportunity trips to East Africa are scheduled for the last quarter of 2026, organised with local partners and host governments. The trips will let entrepreneurs and investors review projects, meet prospective partners and judge investment prospects on the ground.