Islamabad 29 January 2026(Kamran Raja): The Rwanda High Commission in Pakistan successfully hosted the first-ever Rwanda Coffee Festival in Islamabad, marking a significant step toward strengthening trade, investment, and cultural cooperation between Rwanda and Pakistan. The event showcased Rwanda’s premium specialty Arabica coffee while opening new avenues for bilateral economic engagement.
The festival commenced with welcome remarks by H.E. Ms. Harerimana Fatou, High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda to Pakistan, who warmly welcomed delegates from Rwanda and participants from across Pakistan. She underscored the importance of South–South cooperation and highlighted the introduction of Rwanda’s world-renowned coffee to the Pakistani market as a milestone in bilateral relations.
H.E. Mr. Prudence Sebahizi, Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry, expressed appreciation for the strong participation and Pakistan’s hospitality. He emphasized Rwanda’s business-friendly environment and its strategic role as a gateway to Africa, offering access to nearly 1.5 billion consumers. The Minister highlighted Rwanda’s interest in importing Pakistani rice, textiles, and pharmaceutical products, noting the popularity and superior quality of Pakistani Basmati rice in Rwanda.
Describing the Coffee Festival as a celebration of resilience, quality, and cultural pride, Minister Sebahizi stressed the need to establish direct and structured import-export supply chains, particularly in the coffee sector. He encouraged Pakistani investors to explore opportunities in Rwanda’s coffee industry and called for expanded cooperation in agriculture, mining, infrastructure, education, artificial intelligence, and health. He also emphasized building upon the Trade Memorandum of Understanding signed last year to further deepen Pakistan–Rwanda trade and investment ties.
The event was graced by Hon. Muhammad Junaid Anwar, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs of Pakistan, as the Chief Guest. He highlighted the role of coffee diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing maritime connectivity, diversifying supply chains, and fostering long-term partnerships based on mutual respect and shared prosperity.
Participants also received remarks from Mr. Sardar Yasir Ilyas, National Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Tourism, who emphasized the untapped tourism potential between Rwanda and Pakistan. He noted that initiatives like the Rwanda Coffee Festival not only promote trade and investment but also enhance cultural understanding and tourism cooperation.
Mr. Claude Bizimana, CEO of Rwanda’s National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), presented insights into the policy-driven transformation of Rwanda’s coffee sector and outlined direct trade opportunities for Pakistani businesses, emphasizing Rwanda’s readiness for commercial partnerships.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed praised Rwanda’s remarkable recovery and visionary leadership under President Paul Kagame, describing Rwanda as a global success story in economic development, innovation, and governance. He stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral ties through trade, investment, and knowledge exchange.
The festival also featured a panel discussion involving Rwandan coffee exporters and Pakistani importers, focusing on market access, quality assurance, logistics, branding, and sustainable partnership models to expand the footprint of Rwandan coffee in Pakistan.
The Rwanda Coffee Festival 2026 attracted 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.