East Africans are set to benefit from more integrated markets, better access to financing and wider opportunities for small businesses after Partner State officials and sector players made firm commitments at the 25th East African Community (EAC) MSMEs Trade Fair in Nairobi, Kenya.
Ministers responsible for Trade, MSME Development and EAC Affairs pledged to strengthen MSME competitiveness in the growing green economy. They said small businesses must be supported through targeted green finance, technical assistance and closer collaboration with business support organisations.
Tanzanian electric-vehicle maker Kaypee Motors won the overall exhibition award for its six-hour-charge electric mini-van, designed to offer affordable and eco-friendly mobility across the region.
The week-long event drew thousands of entrepreneurs showcasing products from agro-processing and crafts to digital solutions and green technologies. Rwanda’s Zima Healthy Group was named first runner-up, while Kenya’s Authentic Traditional Cooking took second runner-up. The awards reflected the depth of innovation across all Partner States.
A judging panel with representatives from each Partner State and the EAC Secretariat selected winners based on originality, market readiness, product quality, alignment to the theme, stand presentation and customer engagement.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development, Wycliffe Oparanya, praised organisers for delivering a smooth and impactful Fair. He said the event opened new avenues for partnerships, investment and wider regional markets.
EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva highlighted ongoing policy reforms that continue to improve the business environment. These include the faster resolution of Non-Tariff Barriers, the harmonisation of 2,040 regional standards and a 50% cut in NTB resolution time.
She also said border clearance times have reduced by 75%, with most transactions now completed within a day due to One Stop Border Posts, digital linkages among trade agencies and other cross-border facilitation tools. She noted that these reforms are strengthening regional trade and increasing visibility for EAC products through e-commerce and digital platforms.
The ceremony ended with Kenya handing over the EAC flag to the Secretariat, marking the transition to the next host of the 26th EAC MSMEs Trade Fair in 2026. The Secretariat will announce the host nation later.
