Nairobi, Kenya – The 25th East African Community (EAC) Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Trade Fair took place from 7–16 November 2025 at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi. Officially opened by H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of Kenya, the fair was held under the theme “Advancing Innovation and Regional Value Chains for Competitive MSMEs towards Sustainable Development.”
In his remarks, President Ruto paid tribute to regional leaders such as Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Kenya’s late President Daniel Arap Moi, and Tanzania’s former President Benjamin Mkapa for their pivotal roles in reviving the EAC and strengthening regional economic cooperation.
He emphasised the need for Partner States to eliminate non-tariff barriers and harmonise standards to increase intra-EAC trade, currently standing at 15-20% of the region’s total trade. Ruto further underscored the importance of expanding digital infrastructure to link buyers and sellers, highlighting Kenya’s initiatives such as targeted youth entrepreneur grants, public Wi-Fi across all 1,450 wards, and enhanced digital government services through the e-Citizen platform.
The trade fair attracted over 1,200 MSMEs from all eight EAC Partner States where Uganda proudly showcased with over 360 exhibitors representing a dynamic mix of local industries. Ugandan entrepreneurs displayed diverse value-added products, including handicrafts, cultural artifacts, textiles, leather goods, jewelry, agro-processed foods such as coffee and honey, natural cosmetics, herbal products, furniture, metal works, and agricultural tools.
Beyond the exhibition, the event served as a vital platform for Business-to-Business and Business-to-Government engagement, fostering partnerships, knowledge sharing, and investment opportunities. It also provided space for policy dialogue on cross-border financing, sustainability, and climate-resilient value chains.
Uganda’s energetic participation reaffirmed its commitment to regional integration, industrial development, and MSME growth. The country’s entrepreneurs leveraged the fair to expand market access, strengthen business networks, and contribute to the region’s economic progress.
Notably, three Ugandan companies such as Bella Wine, Thomas and Company, and Eagle Air were recognised with awards for outstanding innovation, product quality, and their role in advancing regional trade.
The Uganda High Commission in Nairobi continues to collaborate with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, the Uganda Investment Authority, and other stakeholders to promote trade, investment, and deeper economic ties within the EAC.
