Rwanda's Prime Minister, Justin Nsengiyumva, has called on East African Community member states to step up support so that small businesses can benefit from regional integration, AllAfrica reports. Opening the 26th EAC trade fair for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in Kigali on Tuesday, he said integration should be judged by the opportunities it creates for entrepreneurs.
He said small firms still struggle to get affordable finance, find reliable buyers and move goods across borders at a reasonable cost. He urged governments to remove non-tariff barriers, simplify customs, improve transport and widen access to trade finance, adding that this would also help firms use the African Continental Free Trade Area. He highlighted digital platforms and shared payment systems as ways to make cross-border trade cheaper. This year's fair focuses on leather and horticulture.
Source: AllAfrica