The Pakistan-Africa Economic Council (PAEC) is set to be formally launched on Friday to help Pakistani businesses tap into Africa’s 1.59-billion-strong consumer market and expand trade, investment and commercial partnerships with the continent.

The platform, which is described as Pakistan’s first official Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP)-authorised and registered Africa entrepreneurship platform, aims to create a new avenue for expanding Pakistan’s trade, investment, and business partnerships with Africa’s rapidly growing markets.

It will connect Pakistani and international entrepreneurs, investors and businesses with project-specific opportunities and joint ventures in Pakistan and selected African countries.

With Africa’s population standing at approximately 1.59 billion, the council aims to unlock greater trade engagement between Pakistani businesses and African economies by connecting capital, production capacity and entrepreneurial expertise with viable projects.

The PAEC will initially focus on East Africa, particularly Rwanda, Ethiopia, Uganda and Djibouti, before expanding its engagement to Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan.

The council intends to facilitate partnerships that can support economic growth, industrial development, employment and regional connectivity.

According to the PAEC, its strength lies in its network of experienced production and business partners in Pakistan, combined with established relationships with African businesses, local partners and government stakeholders.

As part of its international outreach, the council has scheduled two business-opportunity trips to East Africa for the last quarter of 2026, in collaboration with local partners and host governments.

The missions will provide entrepreneurs and investors with opportunities to explore projects, meet potential partners and assess investment prospects directly in the region.

The PAEC aims to move beyond traditional trade promotion by facilitating the implementation of high-impact projects and sustainable joint ventures.

Its broader vision is to become an effective bridge between Pakistan and Africa, connecting capital, capacity and entrepreneurs with tangible opportunities.

Through stronger private-sector cooperation and project-based investment, the PAEC seeks to contribute to deeper economic and trade ties between Pakistan and African countries.