The East African Community (EAC) celebrated a significant milestone with the 24th Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Trade Fair, held in Juba for the first time, with a registered attendance of 1,500 business participants. The event drew participation from all eight EAC Partner States, symbolizing strengthened regional integration.
“This being the first time Juba is hosting such an event with such large numbers and participation of all eight Partner States demonstrates the strengthening of EAC integration,” stated EAC Deputy Secretary General Ms. Ssemuwemba.
The Deputy Secretary General reiterated the EAC Secretariat's commitment to supporting MSMEs by creating an enabling environment through initiatives like the Common Market Protocol, Customs Union Protocol, and trade facilitation programs.
These programs include the Simplified Trade Regime, One Stop Border Posts, EAC Mobile NTB Elimination Application, E-commerce, standards harmonization, and facilitating cross-border travel using national identity cards.
The trade fair’s official opening was attended by various dignitaries, including Wycliffe Oparanya, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development; Beatrice Askul Moe, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for EAC, ASALs and Regional Development; Ambassador Joseph Majak, South Sudan’s Minister of Trade and Industry; and Gervais Abayeho, Burundi’s Minister of EAC Affairs, Youth, Sports and Culture.
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