Rwanda is using the 29th Rwanda International Trade Fair (Expo 2026) to reinforce its ambition of becoming one of Africa’s leading trade and investment destinations, with this year’s exhibition attracting new countries and a broader continental presence than ever before.
For the first time, Ethiopia and Senegal will participate in the annual exhibition, a development that reflects the event’s evolution from a largely regional showcase into a platform connecting businesses from across Africa.
Running from July 28 to August 17 at the Gikondo Expo Grounds in Kigali, the exhibition is organized by the Private Sector Federation (PSF) in partnership with the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM).
More than 500 exhibitors and over 300,000 visitors are expected to attend the 21-day event, while participants from over 20 countries will showcase products, services and investment opportunities.
The arrival of Ethiopia and Senegal broadens the geographical diversity of the exhibition and opens fresh commercial opportunities for Rwandan businesses seeking to expand beyond East Africa.
Ethiopia, with its rapidly growing manufacturing base, and Senegal, an important commercial hub in West Africa, are expected to bring new partnerships and market access opportunities for companies looking to tap into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
PSF Acting Chief Executive Officer Callixte Kanamugire said Expo has become far more than an exhibition, describing it as a platform that promotes innovation, investment and regional business collaboration while creating partnerships that support sustainable economic growth.
Over the years, the Rwanda International Trade Fair has grown into one of East Africa’s most influential business events, providing a meeting place for manufacturers, exporters, entrepreneurs, investors and consumers.
It has also become an important launchpad for locally made products while helping international companies establish a presence in Rwanda’s fast-growing economy.
This year’s exhibition is expected to place a strong emphasis on innovation and industrial competitiveness.
Exhibitors will showcase developments in manufacturing, agriculture, information and communication technology, renewable energy, construction, consumer products and electric mobility, with electric vehicles once again expected to feature prominently following their growing popularity at last year’s exhibition.
Business forums, investment discussions and networking sessions will run alongside the exhibition, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to secure financing, attract strategic partners and negotiate long-term commercial agreements.
Organizers say the event’s three-week duration is designed to maximize business engagement by allowing exhibitors and visitors sufficient time to build relationships, explore partnerships and conclude deals that extend beyond the exhibition period.
As Rwanda continues to strengthen its position as a regional hub for trade, investment and innovation, Expo 2026 is expected to demonstrate how the country’s private sector is increasingly connecting with businesses across the continent.
The addition of Ethiopia and Senegal further reinforces Kigali’s growing role as a gateway where African enterprises, investors and innovators can meet, exchange ideas and unlock new cross-border opportunities.
