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25th EAC MSMEs Trade Fair underway in Nairobi
The regional exhibition, formerly known as the EAC Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi Fair was officially opened yesterday by Kenya’s President William Ruto, who reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting small businesses and regional trade integration
KAMPALA, November 14, 2025 — The 25th East African Community [EAC] Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises [MSMEs] Trade Fair is underway at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, attracting more than 2,000 exhibitors from across the region.
The 10-day fair, running from November 7-16, 2025, is themed: “25 Years of EAC Integration: Advancing Innovation and Regional Value Chains for Competitive and Sustainable Development.”
The regional exhibition, formerly known as the EAC Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi Fair was officially opened yesterday by Kenya’s President William Ruto, who reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting small businesses and regional trade integration.
“We are supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises by expanding access to affordable credit and financing,” Ruto said.
He added, “The Hustler Fund, for example, has disbursed over KSh 80 billion to 26.7 million people since 2022, offering dignified credit to those previously excluded from formal finance.”
He explained that Kenya’s focus is on empowering entrepreneurs to innovate and create sustainable jobs across all sectors.
“Through the NYOTA programme, we are empowering 110,000 young entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, and start-up grants to drive innovation and job creation,” Ruto added.
He further noted that Kenya is prioritizing value addition, agro-processing and industrial development, all aimed at enhancing regional trade competitiveness.
“We are also investing in value addition and agro-processing through County Aggregation and Industrial Parks in all 47 counties and developing special economic zones in Busia-Nasewa, Naivasha, Eldoret, Kirinyaga, and Dongo Kundu to attract investment and boost industrialisation,” he said.
“We recognise that the sector drives the economy, creates jobs, and builds wealth for our people,” Ruto emphasised.
He also welcomed the International Trade Organisation’s decision to set up its regional hub in Nairobi, describing it as a vote of confidence in Kenya’s leadership in trade and investment.
The fair brings together exhibitors from all EAC Partner States, showcasing a wide range of innovations and locally made products including leather goods, agro-processing machinery, herbal products, textiles, wood crafts, metal fabrications, and handmade furniture.
According to the Ministry of East African Community Affairs [MEACA], the exhibition provides a crucial platform for entrepreneurs to connect, share technologies, and access new markets within the region.
“This Trade Fair provides MSMEs in the region with an opportunity to network, share innovations, and learn from each other through business-to-business linkages and symposia,” MEACA stated.
Officials said the ongoing event also encourages cultural exchange and unity among East African citizens through national day celebrations, music, dance, and art exhibitions.
Uganda has a strong delegation of entrepreneurs mobilised through the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives [ MTIC] and the Confederation of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises of Uganda [CMSEO].
“We are working closely with local governments through district commercial officers to ensure MSMEs actively participate and benefit from this fair,” MEACA noted.
The ministry cited Uganda’s past success in previous EAC fairs, which helped local producers secure new export markets.
“Ugandan-made metallic hospital beds have seen high demand in Kenya following earlier trade fairs,” the ministry added, pointing to other products such as bark-cloth crafts, kanzus, and furniture that have gained popularity across the region.
So far, Kenya, DRC, and Somalia Days have been celebrated with colorful showcases, while Burundi Day and the EAC Product Quality Awards are scheduled later in the week. A special side event for Women in Business Champions will also take place before the fair closes on November 16.
Each evening, the venue transforms into a vibrant cultural bazaar, featuring traditional performances and exhibitions that celebrate the spirit of East African unity.
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