ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal on Thursday expressed Pakistan’s readiness to explore Rwanda’s market while facilitating greater access for Rwandan products, including coffee, to Pakistan.

“[At the] end of the day, it is the business community which will be the main component of making this successful,” the minister said, while speaking at the first-ever Rwanda Coffee Festival 2026 held here.

Mr Kamal reaffirmed Pakistan’s interest in expanding trade relations with Rwanda and welcomed opportunities for collaboration in agro-manufacturing, textiles, leather, and value-added agricultural products.

The festival was organised by the High Commission of the Republic of Rwanda in Islamabad in collaboration with the National Agricultural Export Board.

Rwanda’s globally acclaimed coffee introduced in Pakistan

It marked the first dedicated platform for introducing Rwanda’s globally acclaimed premium specialty coffee to the Pakistani market.

The event featured a Rwandan cultural dance performance, offering guests a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage.

The festival was formally inaugurated through a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Commerce Minister Kamal, Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry Prudence Sebahizi, and Harerimana Fatou, the high commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda to Pakistan.

Five leading Rwandan coffee companies participated in the exhibition, showcasing many coffee varieties and engaging directly with Pakistani importers, coffee professionals, investors and consumers.

Strong potential

The guests widely appreciated the quality, aroma and distinct flavour profile of Rwandan coffee, acknowledging its strong potential in Pakistan’s expanding specialty coffee market.

In his address, Mr Sebahizi highlighted the country’s transformation into a leading producer of high-quality specialty coffee through innovation, strict quality standards and sustainability-focused policies. He appreciated Pakistan’s warm hospitality and reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to deepening economic engagement with the country.

He also highlighted Rwanda’s premium Arabica coffee, known for its exceptional quality, diverse flavour profiles and sustainable production practices. He underscored the opportunity to introduce this coffee to Pakistan’s expanding consumer market through direct sourcing and long-term partnerships.

“Coffee is one of Rwanda’s proudest exports, representing the hard work of our farmers, the richness of our culture and land, and the excellence of our nation,” he said, adding that Rwanda’s central location in Africa provided access to more than 1.2 billion people through the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Munyura Shema Cedric, managing director of Micof, said the potential for selling quality coffee in Pakistan was significant. “The middle class is growing, and so is the demand for coffee,” he told Dawn.

Manzi Axel, whose family has been producing coffee for four generations, said this was his first time introducing Rwandan coffee in the region, adding that he looked forward to doing business in Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, January 30th, 2026