CS Oparanya urges Kenyan MSMEs to seize opportunities at EAC Trade Fair in Juba

Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya has set the stage for Kenyan businesses to tap into new opportunities in South Sudan and beyond during the launch of the National Organising Committee for the 24th EAC MSME Trade Fair on Monday.

Oparanya highlighted the significance of the event, which will take place from 26 October to 5 November 2024 in Juba, South Sudan, stating that the strategic opportunities presented by the country's growing demand for essential goods and services are driven by ongoing reconstruction efforts.

"South Sudan’s manufacturing sector is still in its infancy, relying heavily on imports. This provides Kenyan MSMEs with a unique opportunity to meet the demand and establish a foothold in this virgin market," he explained.

The annual EAC MSME Trade Fair rotates among East African Community partner states, providing a platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to expand their markets, network, and exchange ideas.

Oparanya pointed out that the inclusion of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia into the EAC has expanded the regional market to approximately 300 million people, with a combined GDP of Sh45.24 trillion ($312 billion).

"This expanded market stretches from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, enhancing our region’s competitiveness and positioning us for better access to the African Continental Free Trade Area," he noted.

Encouraging Kenyan businesses to seize the moment, Oparanya said, "I urge our MSMEs to leverage the existing diplomatic ties between Kenya and South Sudan. Our proximity gives us a logistical advantage in supplying goods such as food, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and building materials."

Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya poses for a photo with officials of the National Organising Committee for the 24th EAC MSME Trade Fair set to be held in Juba. (Photo: Cooperatives Ministry)

He also drew attention to the broader goals of the trade fair, which aim to foster innovation and skills development among East African enterprises.

"The theme, ‘Promotion of Unique Innovations and Skills Development Amongst EAC MSMEs,’ aligns with the East African Industrialisation Strategy and underscores the importance of technological advancements and industrial policy in driving regional economic growth," Oparanya said.

More than 1,500 MSMEs from the region are expected to participate in the fair, with over 300 from Kenya. "This event will not only provide a platform to showcase Kenya’s innovative products and services but also foster valuable business linkages and promote regional trade," he remarked.

In his concluding remarks, Oparanya called on the committee to ensure that participating MSMEs represent Kenya’s best, stating, "I urge the committee to vet products rigorously to uphold the image and brand of Kenya."

He expressed confidence in the success of the event, which will further integrate the EAC economies and provide momentum for growth in the MSME sector.

As Kenya looks to the future, Oparanya highlighted the importance of digital markets and trade transparency. "We must improve MSME awareness around e-commerce and technical trade barriers, enabling our businesses to meet international standards and access new markets," he said.

The upcoming trade fair in Juba promises not only commercial opportunities but also a chance for Kenyan entrepreneurs to learn, innovate, and grow in a rapidly changing regional market.