The annual Jua Kali Expo that was meant to be held here in Kigali in October has now been postponed to November.

The Expo promotes the informal sector, especially those in the craft and art industry.

Chantal Magnifique, of the Rwanda Private Sector (PSF) Chambers of Craft, Art and Artisans said there would be no enough time for organising the event since the 2008 Rwanda International Trade Fair (RITF) will have just ended in early September.

She said, "This being our first time to host the exhibition, we need enough time for better organisation since we also have RITF."

The postponement comes shortly after a two-day meeting between PSF, representatives of East African Community (EAC) members and the Confederation of Informal Sector Organisation (CISCO) of Kenya.

Magnifique said instead the expo will be held between 29 November and 7 December 2008 at Gikondo Expo Ground in Kigali, next to PSF headquarters.

James O. Bwatuti, Chairman of CISCO said the steering committee would soon come up with a theme.

British American Tobacco (BAT) Kenya has since been the official sponsor of Jua Kali with sponsorship worth $500,000 (Frw270m) with a $70,000 (Frw38m) package per event.

Julie Adeli-Owino, BAT Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Manager said BAT would still consider sponsoring Jua Kali in Rwanda, although international laws on tobacco of recent barred any advertising the commodity.

Ja Kali started in 1999 in Kenya under CISCO and has been rotating among the old three EAC member states; Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Last year’s it was held in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi and a big Rwandan delegation of over 50 exhibitors attended.

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