Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Rwanda, Naeem Khan, revealed that the two countries are working on an aviation memorandum of understanding that could pave the way for direct air connectivity.

“We are working on an MoU in the aviation sector,” Naeem told journalists on the sidelines of the Rwanda-Pakistan Investment Forum held in Kigali on Thursday, September 24, 2026.

He highlighted that the proposed air link could benefit not only Rwanda and Pakistan but also facilitate connections between wider markets in Africa and South Asia.

“RwandAir already flies to Qatar. From Qatar, Pakistan is just two or three hours away. Why not extend that connection to Pakistan?” Naeem remarked, referring to the possibility of extending existing connections through the Middle East.

He cited the model used by airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines, which connect Pakistan to Addis Ababa and then serve other African destinations, saying a similar model could be developed through Rwanda.

Naeem noted that the aviation agreement is still under discussion and could be concluded within the next few months to a year.

The proposed direct flights come as Rwanda and Pakistan seek to increase trade and investment following the signing of a bilateral trade agreement at the forum.

The agreement, signed by Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Antoine Kajangwe, and Naeem, is intended to strengthen trade facilitation, business-to-business partnerships, joint ventures and cooperation in sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and transport.

Naeem emphasised that stronger air connectivity would support growing commercial links between the two countries by making it easier for businesspeople, investors and tourists to travel between Rwanda and Pakistan.

He also pointed to opportunities for Pakistani airlines and aviation-related companies to participate in Rwanda’s growing aviation market.

Rwanda is developing the new Kigali International Airport, which is expected to have a long-term capacity of up to 14 million passengers and serve as an anchor for a wider airport city focused on trade, logistics, tourism and investment.

Rwanda Development Board Deputy CEO Juliana Muganza told the forum that the airport development forms part of Rwanda’s broader ambition to strengthen its position as a regional hub.

Trade between Rwanda and Pakistan reached $236 million between 2023 and 2025, according to the RDB Deputy CEO, as the two countries seek to deepen commercial ties and expand investment.

Naeem said the proposed connectivity could also position Rwanda as a link between South Asia and the wider African market.

“It will not be only Rwanda and Pakistan. They can cater to the whole of Africa and South Asia from Pakistan,” he added.

Rwanda and Pakistan have also identified several areas for stronger commercial cooperation, including manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, ICT, tourism, construction and logistics.

Naeem said Pakistani companies are interested in investing in Rwanda while also using the country as a base to serve other African markets.

He cited construction, real estate, tourism and hospitality among the sectors where Pakistani investors could participate.

The two countries are also seeking to increase trade in agricultural products. Naeem highlighted Pakistani interest in importing Rwandan tea, coffee, avocados, beans, lentils and other pulses directly from Rwanda.

He emphasised that direct air connectivity could complement these efforts by improving links between businesses and markets in the two countries.

The proposed aviation cooperation is therefore part of a broader push by Rwanda and Pakistan to move beyond diplomatic relations and expand practical economic ties through trade, investment, transport and private-sector partnerships.