The 24th East African Community (EAC) Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Trade Fair held  in Juba, South Sudan

Uwezo Fund  participated at the 24th East African Community (EAC) Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Trade Fair, which is taking  in Juba, South Sudan, from October 26 to November 5, 2024.

The event was officially  opened by H.E Dr. James Wani Igga, the vice President, South Sudan for the Economic Cluster  on behalf of H.E President   Gen. Salva Kiir of South Sudan.

Demonstrating the Fund's commitment to empower Micro, Small, and Medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and in alignment with the Fund's mission to promote financial inclusion and economic growth, Uwezo Fund  sponsored  beneficiaries  namely Young Shanjetso Youth  Group  from ikolomani exhibiting  Azola,  duckweed and black soldier flies as the alternative organic chicken feeds and  Opija women group from Nyando constituency exhibiting textile products.

This year’s trade fair, themed "Promotion of Unique Innovation and Skills Development among EAC MSMEs," was set to be a landmark event, showcasing the dynamism of small and medium-sized enterprises across East Africa. 

The annual  trade fair aims to promote trade, investment, and economic growth within the EAC region and its partners by providing a platform for entrepreneurs, businesses, and stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and explore new market opportunities. 

The event  welcomed participants from all EAC member states, including Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, the Federal Republic of Somalia, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, and the host nation, South Sudan.

The Kenya delegation  led by Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Co-operatives Micro Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMEs) Hon.Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, EGH , accompanied by  the Cabinet  Secretary, East Africa Community (EAC) Hon. Beatrice Akal,  Principal Secretary, MSMEs Development,  Hon. Susan Mang'eni,  joined by Uwezo Fund Head of Secretariat Mr. Peter Leng'apiani  along with the  Director General/Chief Executive officer of Micro Small Entreprise (MSEA), Mr. Henry Rithaa, Financial Inclusion, Chief Executive officer, Elizabeth Nkukuu, and Kenya Industrial Estate (KIE) Mr. Charles Mativo.

The Ministry's top leadership,  engaged in a high-level discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral  relations and shaping, improving and promoting the future of MSME development across the region.