The annual Egypt and Middle East Expo, which opens today in Kigali, presents local entrepreneurs an opportunity to network and develop business linkages that they can exploit to enter new export markets, reports Appolonia Uwanziga.

The exhibition has also created over 120 part-time jobs for youth, according to Natacha Haguma, the event co-ordinator.

The trade fair organised by Smart Egypt runs from April 26 to May 10 at Amahoro National Stadium in Remera in Kigali and has attracted 59 exhibitors from Egypt, Iran, Pakistan, India, Turkey, Singapore, Kenya, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates. Last year, the expo attracted 51 exhibitors. Showgoers have a wide range of products to choose from, including handicrafts, textiles, home furniture, jewelry, cosmetics, decorations, fabrics, and kitchenware, Haguma said.