This year’s Jua Kali exhibition will for the first time be hosted by Rwanda.

The date and theme of the exhibition to be held in Kigali City are yet to be announced.

This annual event brings together Jua kali’ which means literally ‘hot sun’— a local name given to people engaged in metal and wood works for a living in the East African Community.

During the exhibition, they, informal sector showcase their products, network, share businesses experiences, explore markets and even forge partnerships. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania have hosted the event before. Burundi may follow after rwanda.

The Director of Crafts, Arts and Artisan Chamber at Private Sector Federation, Chantal Magnifique said the chamber plans to make it a memorable exhibition, "and for that matter preparations have to start now."

The first rounds of Jua Kali used to be held only in Kenya before it got popularised in the region. Though tourism is one of Kenya’s main foreign exchange earners, the Kenyan government also supports Jua Kali a lot because it is an exhibition that basically promotes Kenya as a true safari country.

Here, Kigali City Council (KCC) and Private Sector Federation jointly organise art and craft exhibition on a quarterly basis. KCC recently established an association of women involved in weaving among other products, Agaseke (traditional baskets).

KCC plans to organise local exhibitions on big days to enable this association and others to; showcase their products, sell, share experiences, network and even forge partnerships.

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