SIDO urges quality before Kigali showcase

DODOMA: TANZANIAN entrepreneurs heading to this year’s East African Community (EAC) trade fair in Kigali, Rwanda, have been challenged to raise product quality and meet international market standards to win new markets and defend the country’s winning record at the regional exhibition.

Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Labour, Employment and Labour Relations, Deus Sangu, said about 250 Tanzanian entrepreneurs will participate in the October 30-November 8 exhibition, 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 is intended to help small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, particularly those operating in the informal sector, expand and formalise their businesses,” Mr Sangu said.

He said the exhibition offers participants an opportunity to access wider markets, build business partnerships and showcase Tanzanian products to buyers from across the region.

Meanwhile, entrepreneurs attending an orientation seminar in Dodoma were urged to prepare thoroughly before travelling to Kigali by ensuring their products meet the standards required in regional and international markets.

Acting Manager of the Small Industries Development Organisation (SIDO) Dodoma, Stephano Ndunguru, said exhibitors should view the event as more than a platform for displaying products.

“Entrepreneurs should have confidence in their products and be able to present and explain them effectively to potential customers,” Mr Ndunguru said.

He said participants should focus on quality, innovation and attractive packaging that appeals to different markets while ensuring product labels comply with environmental requirements.

Mr Ndunguru 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.

The 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), the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), SIDO and the Immigration Department, also 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.

She recalled that Tanzanian entrepreneurs emerged overall winners at last year’s regional exhibition held in Nairobi, Kenya.

“Last year we won the trophy, and this year we will win it again,” Ms Jafari said.

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 and other stakeholders in the business sector.

The annual trade fair is among the region’s key initiatives aimed at promoting small and medium-sized enterprises by encouraging cross-border trade, innovation and greater participation of entrepreneurs in the East African market.