Bujumbura to host 23rd EAC MSME trade fair

Preparations are in full swing for the upcoming 23rd Edition of the East African Community (EAC) Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Trade Fair, widely recognized as the Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi Exhibition.

Scheduled to take place from December 5th to 15th, 2023, at the Cercle Hyppique Grounds in Bujumbura, Burundi, this annual event will bring together over 1,000 artisans from the seven EAC Partner States. The overarching theme for this edition is “Connecting East African MSMEs to enhance Intra EAC Trade.”

The primary objective of the Trade Fair is to contribute to the realization of the region’s development goals by providing support to the burgeoning MSME sector. This sector, vital for economic growth, relies on public patronage and government backing for its sustainability.

Recognized as a crucial player in addressing unemployment and poverty in the region, the MSMEs Trade Fair also plays a significant role in shaping the sector’s image. It is considered a key solution to the challenges faced by the region.

Complementing the exhibition, the 23rd edition will host a daily symposium focused on enhancing awareness and building the capacity of MSMEs. The symposia will cover topics such as regional opportunities for MSMEs under the AfCFTA, the role of Trade Associations in Partner States, addressing Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs), and the requirements for formalizing business in the EAC.

The symposia will also delve into acquiring the Standards Mark in the EAC, the benefits of Value Addition, Adaptation to Appropriate Technology for MSMEs in the region, and the crucial issues of environment and food security in the EAC.

Originating from the 1st EAC MSMEs Trade Fair in Arusha, Tanzania, held in November 1999 during the historic signing of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC, the success of the event led to a directive from the EAC Heads of State. This directive established the annual rotation of the Exhibition among the Partner States, aiming to enhance and revitalize the socio-economic integration of the people of East Africa.

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