Representatives from more than 300 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) spanning all 47 counties of Kenya are leaving their mark at the 23rd Edition of the East African Community (EAC) MSMEs Trade Fair, formerly known as the Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi Exhibition.
The event, held at the Cercle Hyppique grounds in Bujumbura, Burundi, serves as a hub of innovation, showcasing the diverse array of Kenyan products. With the theme ‘Connecting East Africa MSMEs to Enhance Intra-EAC Trade,’ the trade fair has drawn over 1,500 MSMEs from trade, manufacturing, agribusiness, and services sectors across all seven EAC partner states.
The opening ceremony on December 8, 2023, graced by Burundi’s Vice President Prosper Bazombanza, underscored the trade fair’s significance as a catalyst for socioeconomic integration in East Africa. Beyond providing a platform for MSMEs to exhibit their products, the event facilitates essential business-to-business engagements and information exchange on trade-related matters.
A notable highlight of the ceremony was the launch of the EAC Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) App, developed by the EAC Secretariat and Trade Mark East Africa. The app aims to streamline reporting, monitoring, and elimination of NTBs within the EAC community, offering different access levels for traders and NTB focal points in each partner state to enhance transparency and efficiency in trade facilitation.
During Kenya’s Country Day celebration, the nation showcased its unique products, innovations, and cultural diversity. Simon Chelugui, Cabinet Secretary at the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSME Development, emphasized the trade fair’s role in promoting Kenya’s offerings in the regional market and fostering trade and business exchanges among participating countries. Chelugui encouraged Kenyan MSMEs to explore untapped opportunities in the Burundian market, highlighting potential areas of investment such as agro-processing, education, infrastructure, finance, energy solutions, light manufacturing, telecommunications, and construction.
Acknowledging the achievements of Kenyan entrepreneurs, Sharon Cherotich of Shariez Handmade, Brian Bhukhala of NEOEng Limited, and Charity Wanjiru of Hoftor Macadamia Nuts received awards for the best three innovative products from Kenya at the 22nd EAC MSMEs Trade Fair, alongside Kenyan judges Edward Munoru and Patricia Mwende.
Citing statistics indicating increased trade between EAC members and countries outside the bloc, Chelugui called for enhanced integration in language, currency, transport, infrastructure, and mobile networks to bolster regional growth and sustainable development. Susan Mang’eni, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for MSMEs, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of a unified language for seamless trading and economic growth.
Kenya Day celebrations attracted notable dignitaries, including Burundi’s Minister of Commerce, Transport, Industry, and Tourism Marie Chantal Nijimbere; Deputy Secretary General of the East African Community Susan Mange’ni; and Kenya’s Ambassador to Burundi Daniel Wambura CBS.
The trade fair not only underscores the vibrancy of Kenya’s MSME sector but also serves as a platform for fostering regional collaboration and economic prosperity.
