Craft-makers have been urged to be innovative to be competitive in the region.

Joseph Mutware, the in charge of mobilisation at Agaseke Promotion project, the City of Kigali, made the call on Sunday while closing a women’s handicrafts expo at the Car Free Zone.

"There is need to build the capacity of crafts makers and improve their skills and make them innovative to enhance the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability,” he said.

Mutware said the exhibition was intended to promote innovation in the handicraft sector. The expo attracted over 31 women and other handicraft makers from Kigali.

Mutware said sector players must embrace the culture of advertising their products to create public awareness and attract buyers.

Francois Mukagihana, the vice-chairperson of Rwanda Association of Products, Exporters and Sellers and Handcrafts, called on players to improve quality and production, saying this is essential for Made-in-Rwanda goods to be competitive.

Cecile Cyiiza, a shoe maker and an exhibitor, said she networked with other sector players and learnt new skills that she hopes will boost her trade.

Cyiiza was happy she made Rwf70,000 per day during the expo.