Pakistan, Rwanda Explore Direct Sea Routes to Access East Africa’s 500 Million–Consumer Market
Islamabad | January 29, 2026 Pakistan and Rwanda are exploring the establishment of direct sea routes from Karachi to key East African ports, including Djibouti and Mombasa, aimed at gaining access to the East African Community’s (EAC) 500-million-strong consumer market valued at over $300 billion.The initiative was discussed during a meeting between Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhary and Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Harerimana Fatou. Both sides reviewed proposals to reduce shipping costs by up to 30 percent and significantly cut transit times through a proposed Karachi–Djibouti shipping corridor to boost bilateral trade.
The federal minister said Gwadar Port is being developed as a future export hub for Africa, opening new opportunities for Pakistani textiles, pharmaceuticals and agri-tech products, while facilitating imports of Rwandan tea, coffee and avocados.He added that the initiative aligns with Pakistan’s blue economy strategy and is designed to unlock trade potential under internationally recognized maritime frameworks.Junaid Anwar Chaudhary noted that despite being landlocked, Rwanda is strategically positioned to utilize Djibouti and Mombasa as primary gateways for trade with Pakistan. Direct maritime connectivity, he said, would streamline Pakistani exports to East Africa and improve access for Rwandan products to South Asian markets.Discussions also covered the proposed Karachi–Mombasa route, which could enhance regional integration and reinforce Pakistan’s maritime presence across the EAC and beyond.Both sides explored business-to-business engagement platforms, including the proposed Africa House, to help companies capitalize on emerging trade corridors. Improved connectivity is expected to reduce transit times by weeks, strengthening the competitiveness of Pakistani exports and making Rwandan produce more viable in regional markets.
The talks were held within the framework of key international maritime conventions, including SOLAS, MARPOL, UNCLOS and the Maritime Labour Convention, which provide uniform global standards for safe, efficient and sustainable shipping.High Commissioner Harerimana Fatou said enhanced logistics integration could unlock untapped potential in sectors such as sustainable agriculture and light manufacturing. Reliable sea links, she noted, would boost Rwanda’s agricultural exports while enabling Pakistan to diversify its export base.Concluding the meeting, the federal minister said that as Gwadar evolves into an Africa-focused maritime hub, new sea corridors could reshape Pakistan’s maritime footprint and promote inclusive growth across the Indian Ocean region.
