Kenya is preparing to participate in the 26th East African Community (EAC) Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Trade Fair, scheduled to take place in Kigali, Rwanda from October 30 to November 8.
The regional event will provide a platform for Kenyan enterprises to showcase locally made products, innovative solutions and entrepreneurial talent while exploring new business opportunities across East Africa and the wider continent.
The event reflects the EAC’s commitment to strengthening regional value chains, reducing import dependence and creating jobs through targeted industrial development.
This year’s Trade Fair will focus on the leather and horticulture sectors, chosen for their high potential in industrial growth, job creation, and import substitution, while remaining open to participation from other sectors across the region.
Ahead of the regional event, Principal Secretary for Trade Regina Ombam paid a courtesy call on the Principal Secretary for MSMEs, Susan Mangeni, to discuss Kenya’s participation and strategies to maximize the opportunities presented by the regional event.
The discussions focused on expanding market access for Kenyan MSMEs, increasing intra-regional trade, and connecting local enterprises to new markets and value chains across East Africa.
The engagement also highlighted the importance of coordinating government support to ensure that Kenyan businesses are well positioned to benefit from regional and continental trade opportunities.
The Trade Fair will bring together MSMEs, investors, policymakers, researchers, and development partners, offering a platform not only for trade but also for knowledge exchange, innovation, and partnership-building.
The Trade Fair will also promote the consumption of locally produced goods as part of broader efforts to strengthen domestic industries and enhance regional competitiveness.
Kenyan MSMEs are encouraged to prepare strategically by strengthening product quality, improving branding and packaging, understanding export requirements and developing clear market-entry plans.
