The Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office responsible for Labour, Employment and Labour Relations, Deus Sangu, has challenged Tanzanian entrepreneurs to improve product quality to win new markets and defend the country's winning record at the regional exhibition. About 250 Tanzanian entrepreneurs will participate in the October 30-November 8 exhibition in Kigali, Rwanda, with the government covering transport costs for both exhibitors and their products.
The regional exhibition, popularly known as Nguvu Kazi/Jua Kali, is expected to bring together about 1,000 entrepreneurs from the EAC's eight partner states. The trade fair aims to help small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, particularly those operating in the informal sector, expand and formalise their businesses. Mr Sangu said the exhibition offers participants an opportunity to access wider markets, build business partnerships, and showcase Tanzanian products to buyers from across the region.
Acting Manager of the Small Industries Development Organisation (SIDO) Dodoma, Stephano Ndunguru, has urged exhibitors to prepare thoroughly before travelling to Kigali by ensuring their products meet the standards required in regional and international markets. He advised entrepreneurs to view the event as more than a platform for displaying products and to have confidence in their products, presenting and explaining them effectively to potential customers.
Mr Ndunguru emphasised the importance of focusing on quality, innovation, and attractive packaging that appeals to different markets while ensuring product labels comply with environmental requirements. He also advised entrepreneurs to avoid using plastic bags as packaging or carrier bags, including for products such as rice, saying environmentally friendly packaging would improve the competitiveness of their products.
An orientation seminar was organised to equip exhibitors with practical skills to market their products effectively, identify business opportunities, and establish long-term partnerships within and beyond Tanzania. Officials from several institutions, including the Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA), the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), guided participants on business registration, taxation, social security, and travel procedures relevant to the exhibition.
Chairperson of the Dodoma entrepreneurs participating in the trade fair, Kibibi Jafari, expressed confidence that Tanzania would perform strongly in Kigali, recalling that Tanzanian entrepreneurs emerged overall winners at last year's regional exhibition held in Nairobi, Kenya. The Kigali exhibition is expected to provide participants with opportunities to exchange experiences with entrepreneurs from across the EAC, learn about emerging market trends, and connect with buyers.
The exhibition provides a platform for Tanzanian entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services to a wider audience, potentially leading to increased business opportunities and partnerships. With the right approach, Tanzanian entrepreneurs can build on their previous success and establish themselves as major players in the regional market.
Key points
- The government is covering transport costs for both exhibitors and their products.
- The exhibition aims to help small and medium-sized entrepreneurs expand and formalise their businesses.
- Entrepreneurs are advised to focus on quality, innovation, and environmentally friendly packaging.
