Uganda Set to Shine at the 25th EAC MSMEs Trade Fair in Nairobi.
Nairobi, Kenya – November 2025
Uganda is gearing up for a strong presence at the 25th East African Community (EAC) Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Trade Fair, popularly known as the Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi Exhibition, scheduled for 7th – 16th November 2025 at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi.
Speaking to journalists ahead of the event, Mrs. Edith Mwanje, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of East African Community Affairs (MEACA), emphasized Uganda’s commitment to regional integration and the empowerment of small businesses.
“Uganda’s participation in the Jua Kali Trade Fair is not just about showcasing products—it is about affirming our role in advancing innovation, strengthening regional value chains, and ensuring our entrepreneurs benefit from the opportunities of integration,” Mrs. Mwanje said.
Uganda’s Importance in the Fair
Uganda has consistently leveraged the EAC Trade Fair to expand markets for its MSMEs. From metallic hospital beds now in high demand in Kenya, to kanzus, bark-cloth products, handicrafts, and furniture gaining regional recognition, the fair has proven to be a gateway for Ugandan innovation.
Mrs. Mwanje noted that this year’s theme, “25 Years of EAC Integration: Advancing Innovation & Regional Value Chains for Competitive Sustainable Development”, resonates strongly with Uganda’s vision of building resilience and stimulating intra-regional trade.
Key Expectations
Uganda will be represented by hundreds of exhibitors across diverse sectors, including:
- Agro-processed products and machinery
- Leather and leather goods
- Textiles and apparel
- Wood and wood products
- Herbal and medicinal products
- Handicrafts and basketry
The Permanent Secretary highlighted that Uganda’s delegation will not only showcase products but also engage in business-to-business networking, symposia, and cultural exchanges, ensuring that the country’s MSMEs gain knowledge and visibility across the region.
Looking Ahead
Mrs. Mwanje reaffirmed MEACA’s commitment to mobilizing and supporting Ugandan MSMEs through the National Organizing Committee, working closely with the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives and the Confederation of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises of Uganda.
“This Trade Fair is a platform for our entrepreneurs to demand their rightful place in regional trade. Uganda is ready, and our MSMEs are prepared to demonstrate the innovation and resilience that define our economy,” she concluded.
