Pakistan initiated a significant commercial drive in Nigeria, targeting the nation’s lucrative cosmetics sector while pursuing institutional agreements to facilitate broader Pakistani investment in key industries.
According to an official information today, the push was led by the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Commerce, Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, who engaged in a series of meetings and events aimed at deepening economic ties with West Africa.
During a bilateral meeting, Mr. Khan and Ms. Aisha Rimi, the CEO of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), discussed Nigeria’s investment climate and potential for increased Pakistani capital participation.
Talks centered on opportunities in manufacturing, agro-processing, IT services, and logistics. The officials also explored establishing formal cooperation between Pakistan”s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and the NIPC to streamline procedures and improve information exchange for investors.
Later, the Coordinator inaugurated the Pakistan Pavilion at Beauty West Africa (BWA) 2025, held at the Landmark Center. The event is described as the continent”s largest beauty and cosmetics exhibition.
A delegation of 23 Pakistani cosmetics manufacturers, with 19 sponsored by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), presented their products at the expo, which features over 350 exhibitors and draws more than 6,000 buyers annually.
This participation occurs as Africa’s beauty and personal care market is projected to reach a value of USD 69.53 billion in 2025. Nigeria”s online beauty sales market is also expanding, with forecasts expecting it to generate USD 439.77 million in the same year.
In the evening, the Commercial Section of the High Commission of Pakistan hosted a networking dinner at the Radisson Blu Anchorage, Victoria Island.
The event connected Pakistani exhibitors with prominent Nigerian buyers, senior bankers, a top customs-clearing agent, and officials from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The Chairman of the Cosmetics and Drugs Chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) also attended.
Nigerian stakeholders provided the visiting firms with detailed briefings on regulatory requirements, product registration protocols, compliance standards, and local banking procedures, offering practical insights into the market”s operational landscape.
The day’s engagements were presented as part of an effort to position Pakistani enterprises to access opportunities in one of Africa”s most dynamic economies.