The 22nd Edition of the EAC MSMEs Trade Fair, popularly known as the Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi Exhibition was officially opened yesterday, December 11, 2022 in Kampala, Uganda.
The business communities of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises from 7 EAC states areparticipating in the Jua Kali exhibition, happening at Kololo Airstrip in Kampala. Several goods and services are going to feature at the trade fair which includes, textiles, foodstuffs, ornaments, handiwork, cosmetics, African wear, plants, seedlings, machinery, shoes, bags, medicines, furniture, and art and craft materials. 
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, while representing President Yoweri Museveni, opened the event. Nabbanja asked Ugandans to turn up in large numbers to buy products on sale, build networks and support the event for mutual benefit. 
The event was attended by ministers from Burundi, Tanzania, and high-level delegates from South Sudan, DRC, Rwanda and Kenya. 
The seven partners have a total population of about 300m people and a GDP of $305b (about Uganda shillings 1.126 trillion). 
Some of the exhibitors called for increased use of the various media platforms and
telecommunications companies to promote awareness about the event. 
Many are optimistic to make sales and not returning any stock to their stores. 
The main objective of the trade fair is to contribute towards the realization of the region’s development goals and aspirations by lending support to this budding sector of the economy. 
This needs public and Government support in order to be sustainable. 
The trade fairs further create an impact on the image of the sector, which is today seen as the solution to the frightening question of unemployment and poverty alleviation in the region. 
The first EAC MSMEs Trade Fair was held in Arusha, Tanzania in November 1999 during the historic event of the signing of the treaty for the establishment of the EAC.  Subsequent to the success of the Arusha exhibition, the EAC heads of state-directed that the exhibition be held annually on a rotational basis among the partner states to enhance the socio-economic integration of the people of East Africa. 
The 21st edition of the trade fair was held in Mwanza, Tanzania in December 2021 where more than 1,000 exhibitors participated. 
The exhibitions have benefited small traders in building capacity on value addition, cross-border trade, and the EAC simplified trade regime among others through the symposium. 
Knowledge sharing, technological transfer, and building new partnerships and markets are among other benefits of the exhibition. 
Over the years, the region has experienced more traders formalizing their businesses, adding value to their goods, and expanding and capturing new markets.