KIGALI - The ninth edition of the East African Jua Kali/Nguvu Kali Expo was Saturday officially opened at Gikondo exhibition ground. The expo which attracted 875 exhibitors from East African countries comprises of small and medium enterprises.

The exhibitors are in Kigali to showcase their products ranging from arts and crafts, textiles and small scale machinery. During his speech, the guest of honour Prime Minister Bernard Makuza commended the organisers and sponsors of the Jua Kali expo, remarking that such an undertaking is a big step towards strengthening the informal sector in East Africa.

"I thank all stakeholders who have partnered in this noble expo, such an undertaking provides a good platform for strengthening and stepping up the informal sector,” said Makuza.

He encouraged innovation, talent development and market creation, which is vital in developing East African countries. The premier further underscored the great potential the sector has in poverty alleviation, job creation and economic growth.

"A fully developed private sector will lower the cost of doing business and enhance our competitiveness in the global market. This can only be achieved if entrepreneurs both in the formal and informal sectors are supported to produce quality,” the Premier observed. 

The Chairman of Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation, the host of the Jua Kali expo, Robert Bayigamba, underlined the relevance of the Jua Kali expo, saying that it can be used as an entry point into bigger markets such as COMESA and other global markets.

"This regional exhibition serves to showcase products from the East African Region by exposing the exhibitors to emerging markets and technologies while at the same time offering them an expanded market for their products,” said Bayigamba. He also commended the governments of the various East African Countries and sponsors for supporting the cause.

Uwimana Josephine, a Rwandan exhibitor of beads and traditional crafts said the expo had brought in a wide range of unique products from all over EA, hence exposing them to new challenges and talents since they can share ideas and skills.

The Jua Kali expo which started in 1999 is held annually. This is the first time Rwanda is hosting it.

This year’s theme is "Empowering the small and medium enterprises as the engine of economic development in East Africa.” It has attracted over 800 exhibitors from the region.

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