Rwanda and Pakistan have enhanced their trade and investment ties, with bilateral trade valued at approximately $236.4 million, or around RWF 349 billion, between 2023 and 2025. This development was announced by Juliana Muganza, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), at the Rwanda-Pakistan Investment Forum 2026. The forum aimed to explore opportunities for strengthening trade and investment relations between the two countries.
According to Muganza, despite the significant trade relations, there are still ample opportunities for growth in trade and investment between Rwanda and Pakistan. She highlighted that Rwanda has received seven investment projects from Pakistan, valued at over $2 million, or approximately RWF 2.9 billion, between 2023 and 2025. These projects demonstrate the potential for increased economic cooperation between the two nations.
Muganza emphasized that Rwanda and Pakistan have a long-standing diplomatic relationship, but there is a need to translate this into practical cooperation in trade, investment, and business. She noted that Pakistan can leverage Rwanda as a gateway to access the regional and African markets, with a potential consumer base of over 80 million people within a 500-kilometer radius.
The RDB CEO highlighted Rwanda's economic growth, which reached 9.4% in 2025, driven primarily by growth in industry, agriculture, manufacturing, construction, and ICT services. She also noted that Rwanda attracted $2.62 billion in investments in 2025, with over 800 projects expected to create over 38,000 jobs. This growth trajectory presents opportunities for Pakistani investors to tap into Rwanda's expanding economy.
To further enhance trade and investment ties, Muganza identified areas of potential collaboration between Rwanda and Pakistan, including infrastructure development, such as the new Kigali International Airport, which is expected to handle 14 million passengers annually. She also emphasized the RDB's role in supporting investors throughout the investment process, from conceptualization to implementation and expansion.
Pakistani Ambassador to Rwanda, Naeem Khan, expressed his country's commitment to investing in Rwanda, with Pakistani businesses already exploring opportunities in the country. He noted that Rwandan products, such as tea, coffee, and soybeans, are in demand in Pakistan, and there is potential for increased trade in these areas. Khan also encouraged Rwandan students to consider pursuing education in Pakistan and proposed establishing joint educational institutions.
Rwanda and Pakistan have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation in trade and investment, aiming to strengthen economic ties between the two countries. The agreement is expected to facilitate increased trade, investment, and business cooperation, particularly in areas such as manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and transportation.
Key points
- Rwanda and Pakistan have strengthened trade and investment relations, with bilateral trade valued at approximately $236.4 million in three years.
- The two countries have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation in trade and investment.
- Rwanda's economic growth reached 9.4% in 2025, driven primarily by growth in industry, agriculture, manufacturing, construction, and ICT services.
