Pakistan, Rwanda weigh direct sea links to tap $300bn East African market

Pakistan and Rwanda have begun discussions on establishing direct maritime routes linking Karachi with key East African ports, including Djibouti and Mombasa, in a move aimed at expanding bilateral trade and gaining access to the East African Community’s 500 million consumer market, estimated to be worth over $300 billion.

The proposals were discussed during a meeting between Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Rwandan High Commissioner Harerimana Fatou. According to an official press release, a Karachi–Djibouti shipping line could reduce freight costs by as much as 30 percent while cutting transit times significantly.

The minister said Gwadar is being developed as a future export gateway to Africa, opening new avenues for Pakistani exports such as textiles, pharmaceuticals and agri tech products. At the same time, the proposed routes would facilitate imports of Rwandan tea, coffee and avocados into Pakistan and the wider South Asian region.

Despite being landlocked, Rwanda relies on ports such as Djibouti and Mombasa for international trade. Junaid Chaudhry noted that direct sea connectivity would streamline Pakistani exports to East Africa while improving market access for Rwandan goods.

Both sides also examined the feasibility of a Karachi–Mombasa route, which officials said could enhance regional integration and strengthen Pakistan’s maritime presence across the EAC.

The discussions included plans for business to business engagement platforms, including the proposed Africa House, to help companies benefit from new trade corridors. Officials said improved connectivity could reduce shipping times by several weeks, boosting export competitiveness.

The initiative, the minister added, aligns with Pakistan’s blue economy strategy and is framed within international maritime conventions such as SOLAS, MARPOL, UNCLOS and the Maritime Labour Convention, which set global standards for safe and sustainable shipping.

High Commissioner Harerimana Fatou said closer logistics integration could unlock untapped potential in areas such as sustainable agriculture and light manufacturing, while reliable sea links would support Rwanda’s export growth and help Pakistan diversify its export base.

Junaid Chaudhry said that as Gwadar evolves into an Africa focused maritime hub, new sea corridors could reshape Pakistan’s maritime footprint and support broader economic growth across the Indian Ocean region.