The 24th round of the East African Community’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Trade Fair, is being held in South Sudan this time.
Running from the 26th of October to the 5th of November, 2024 the EAC Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Trade Fair takes place in Juba.
‘Promotion of unique innovation and skills development amongst EAC MSMEs,’ is the guiding theme of the trade fair, a landmark event, showcasing the dynamism of small and medium-sized enterprises across the Region.
According to the organizers, the objective of the trade fair is promoting trade, investment, and economic growth within the region by providing a platform for entrepreneurs, businesses, and stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and explore new market opportunities.
The Trade Fair has drawn participants from all EAC Member States, including Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Federal Republic of Somalia, Uganda, Tanzania and the host, South Sudan.
The 24th edition will feature a daily symposium aimed at enhancing awareness on and the capacity of MSMEs.
The symposia will address matters such as elimination of Non-tariff Barriers, Financing of MSMEs Activities, Enhancing Research and Development of MSMEs production, Exploring opportunities under the AfCFTA, formalization of MSMEs businesses and business opportunities in South Sudan.
The fair will also showcase cultural diversity performances and exhibitions, celebrating the rich heritage of the EAC Partner States.
The EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs, Annette Ssemuwemba, said they were excited for the dynamic event.
“The trade fair represents a vital opportunity for entrepreneurs to showcase their contributions to the economy, share experiences, and build lasting connections that will help drive our regional growth,” said Ssemuwemba.
The Deputy Secretary General added that the fair is expected to attract thousands of visitors, including business owners, practitioners, policymakers and members of the general public, all eager to explore the unique offerings and innovations presented by the MSMEs of East Africa.
The first Trade Fair was held in Arusha in November 1999 during the historic event of signing of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
Subsequent to the success of the Arusha Trade Fair, the EAC Heads of State directed that the Trade Fair be held annually on rotational basis among the EAC Partner States so as to enhance and revamp the socio-economic integration of the people of East Africa, opening up new market frontiers for their products while bridging up the knowledge and technological gaps between them.
Since then annual exhibitions have been held in Nairobi (2000 and 2001), Kampala (2002), Dar-es-Salaam (2003), Mombasa (2004), Kampala (2005), Dar es Salaam (2006), Nairobi 2007, Kigali (2008) Dar es Salaam (2009), Kampala (2011), Bujumbura (2012), Nairobi (2013), Kigali (2014), Dar es Salaam 2015), Kampala (2016), Bujumbura (2017), Eldoret (2018), Kigali (2019), Mwanza (2021), Kampala (2022) and Bujumbura (2023).
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