- Kigali will host the 26th EAC MSMEs Trade Fair from October 30 to November 8, 2026.
- The event will focus on leather and horticulture while promoting regional trade, investment and jobs.
- The EAC Quality Awards 2026 will be held alongside the trade fair.
The East African Community (EAC) will hold its 26th Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Trade Fair in Kigali, Rwanda, from October 30 to November 8, 2026.
The decision came out of the 48th Meeting of the Sectoral Council on Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment (SCTIFI), held last week in Arusha, Tanzania. According to the council, the event underscores the EAC’s commitment to strengthening regional value chains, cutting import dependence and creating jobs through targeted industrial development.
This year’s edition will spotlight the leather and horticulture sectors, chosen for their strong potential in industrial growth, job creation and import substitution. However, participation remains open to businesses from other sectors across the region.
Leather sector shows major growth potential
Leather has emerged as a priority area with proven promise. Data from the recently concluded Mid-Term Review of the EAC Leather Strategy (2020 to 2030) shows regional footwear demand climbed from 130 million pairs in 2017 to nearly 290 million pairs in 2024. Yet local production has lagged far behind, standing at just 17 million pairs.
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That gap points to a significant opportunity for regional manufacturers. Demand is projected to reach approximately 385 million pairs by 2030, reinforcing the scale of the opening for investors and producers alike.
To capitalise on this, the Trade Fair will connect value chain players, encourage investment in local leather production and generate interest in regional leather brands, including the Buy Made in East Africa initiative.
Horticulture remains key to food security and trade
Moreover, horticulture continues to play a vital role in food security, household incomes and export earnings. Agriculture as a whole accounts for more than 25 per cent of the region’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), making the sector essential to the EAC’s economic outlook.
Additionally, at the fair, organisers will promote technology adoption, support standards compliance, and strengthen value chains to boost competitiveness.
A platform for trade, innovation and partnerships
Beyond trade, the fair will bring together MSMEs, investors, policymakers, researchers and development partners for knowledge exchange, innovation and partnership building. Organisers also plan to promote consumption of locally produced goods as part of wider efforts to strengthen domestic industries and enhance regional competitiveness.
Because the event has built a track record over the years as a reliable platform for regional cooperation and business outcomes, this year’s focus on leather and horticulture is expected to accelerate industrialisation, employment and intra EAC trade.
Quality Awards to run alongside the fair
In addition to the Trade Fair, the EAC Quality Awards 2026 will take place in Kigali at the same time. The annual awards recognise enterprises across the region that demonstrate excellence in quality management, standards compliance, innovation and continuous improvement.
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Through the awards, organisers hope to build a stronger culture of quality among East African enterprises, enhance the competitiveness of locally made goods and services, facilitate regional trade and support deeper integration.
The EAC Council of Ministers has urged Partner States, stakeholders and MSMEs to register and ensure strong representation, noting that broad participation is critical to the event’s regional impact and success.
About the EAC MSMEs Trade Fair
The EAC MSMEs Trade Fair is an annual regional platform designed to promote the development of micro, small and medium enterprises, enhance intra regional trade and accelerate industrialisation across the East African Community.
It serves as a marketplace, networking forum and policy engagement platform linking businesses to regional and international opportunities.
By Benedict Aoya
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