ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan has expressed interest in increasing coffee and tea imports from Rwanda, according to an official statement on Thursday, as the country’s coffee culture continues to grow with boutique cafes and specialty roasters.
The Rwanda High Commission has organized a two-day Rwanda Coffee Festival in Islamabad starting today, which was also attended by the minister.
Pakistan has primarily been a tea-drinking nation that has witnessed an ascendance of coffee culture, especially among young people in major cities such as Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, where the expansion of international coffee chains, boutique cafes and specialty roasters has transformed it from a niche beverage into a lifestyle choice.
“Pakistan is interested in increasing imports of coffee and tea from Rwanda,” Khan said while addressing the coffee festival, according to the commerce ministry.
“The Rwanda Coffee Festival is a symbol of strengthening Pakistan-Africa trade ties,” he added. “The Rwanda Coffee Festival will give a new dimension to cultural and trade partnership.”
The ministry said in the statement Khan called for the establishment of a direct import-export supply line between Pakistan and Rwanda, adding that the country was also keen to sign a memorandum of understanding in the near future.
Rwanda’s Trade Minister Prudence Sebahizi announced on the occasion that his country served as a gateway to Africa’s $1.4 billion consumer market, adding it was open to investment from the Pakistani business community.
The ministry said he highlighted that barrier-free exports to African markets were possible after production in Rwanda.
It added Pakistan already exports high-quality rice, textiles and pharmaceutical products to Rwanda, while noting that more than 200 Rwandan traders have visited the country over the past two years.
Pakistan imported coffee, tea, mate and spices worth $846 million in 2023‑24, according to combined data from the State Bank of Pakistan. According to the World Bank’s international trade database, Pakistan imported roasted coffee from around the world valued at $940,000 in 2023.
Rising social media trends and the popularity of specialty brews, cold coffees and artisanal blends are driving demand, while local entrepreneurs experiment with unique flavors and homegrown beans.
