CS Oparanya Launches The Multi-Sectoral National Organizing Committee For The 24 EAC MSMEs Trade Fair
CS Oparanya Launches The Multi-Sectoral National Organizing Committee For The 24 EAC MSMEs Trade Fair
The Ministry of Cooperatives, Micro and Small Enterprises Development has launched the the National Organizing Committee for the 24th EAC MSMEs Trade Fair that will be held in Juba, South Sudan from 26th October 2024 to 5th November 2024.
CS Oparanya Launches The Multi-Sectoral National Organizing Committee For The 24 EAC MSMEs Trade Fair
Since its first edition, the annual EAC MSME Trade Fair held on rotational basis among the EAC partner states has brought together MSMEs to expand their reach into new markets, network, exchange ideas, share new technologies and strengthen regional integration.
Speaking during the launch, the cooperatives and MSMES development cabinet secretary Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya noted that “With the EAC’s expanded market size of approximately 300 million people and GDP of approximately US$312 billion as a result of the recent entry of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Federal Republic of Somalia into the community adds significant impetus to the push to increase Intra-EAC trade, especially given that the EAC region now stretches from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, making it competitive and easy to access the larger African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).”
CS Oparanya Launches The Multi-Sectoral National Organizing Committee For The 24 EAC MSMEs Trade Fair
The implementation of the AfCFTA is expected to enhance competitiveness at the industry and enterprise level through the exploitation of opportunities for production at scale, continental market access, and better reallocation of resources.
The Republic of South Sudan presents a virgin market for Kenyan MSME products driven by its growing demand for essential goods and services amid ongoing reconstruction efforts.
Since South Sudan’s manufacturing sector is yet to be fully exploited, there is a reliance on imports, offering Kenyan MSMEs a strategic opportunity to fill market gaps and take advantage of the unexploited opportunities.
CS Oparanya Launches The Multi-Sectoral National Organizing Committee For The 24 EAC MSMEs Trade Fair
“I encourage Kenyan MSMEs to take advantage of the existing diplomatic ties between the two countries to establish a foothold and exploit the emerging opportunities in terms of trade and investment.”
As a neighboring country, Kenya enjoys logistical advantages, making it well-positioned to supply a range of products, including food, machinery, building materials, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods.
With ongoing infrastructure development, the demand for building materials, vehicles, and industrial equipment is rising. Additionally, the country’s growing population and urbanization are driving increased consumption ofprocessed foods, electronics, and household items.
This year’s Trade Fair theme is “Promotion of unique innovations and skills development amongst EAC
MSMEs” which captures the developmental aspirations of the EAC region as it adds impetus to the Partner States’ innovation initiatives and recognizes the important role of the development of local innovations and bridging the skills gap among the MSMEs.
“We look forward to seeing the over 1500 participating MSMEs not only showcase their new products and innovative services, but equally exhibit and share experiences on some of their life changing innovations and creativity that helped them to navigate the current economic headwinds amidst stringent standard operating processes (SOPs)” Says CS Oparanya
This year’s trade fair thus serves to give exceptional commercial prospects for exploiting new market frontiers and showcasing regional brands of both goods and services, providing further momentum to the EAC integration process.
CS Oparanya Launches The Multi-Sectoral National Organizing Committee For The 24 EAC MSMEs Trade Fair
In addition, Mr. John Kihiu the Chairman of Confederation of Micro and Small enterprises Kenya Chapter emphasized on security issues urging the government through CS Oparanya to beef up security during their departure, arrival and their 10 day stay in Juba during the trade fair.
“There is insecurity in South Sudan and we urge the government to protect every Kenyan that is going to attend the trade fair.”
