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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (ECCIMA) said the 37th Enugu International Trade Fair will serve as a major platform for expanding business and investment opportunities in the South East, with a strong focus on positioning Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for global competitiveness.
President of ECCIMA, Nnanyelugo Onyemelukwe, made the disclosure, yesterday, at a press briefing at the ECCIMA Council Chamber in Enugu, where he formally unveiled preparations for the 2026 edition of the trade fair.
The trade fair, themed “Empowering MSMEs for global competitiveness,” will be held from Saturday, March 21 to Monday, March 30, 2026, at the Enugu International Trade Fair Complex, Golf Course, GRA, Enugu.
Onyemelukwe said the fair remains one of the most important platforms for promoting enterprise, trade, and investment in the South East, stressing that ECCIMA intends to leverage the event to deepen economic growth and strengthen the region’s business ecosystem.
He said the fair would provide a unique meeting point for investors, entrepreneurs, innovators, and policy makers to explore business opportunities and strengthen commercial partnerships across sectors.
Onyemelukwe said: “The 37th Enugu International Trade Fair will provide a platform to assess the economic outlook of our nation, the attendant risks and opportunities within the business environment and enable entrepreneurs and investors to make informed decisions.
“Our emphasis is on empowering our Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises to become global brand producers. We believe strongly that strengthening these enterprises will unlock enormous business opportunities, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth not only in the South East, but across the country”.
He noted that interest from corporate organisations and businesses has been encouraging, with many already securing exhibition spaces ahead of the event.
To widen participation and improve accessibility, ECCIMA said it has introduced several innovations for this year’s fair. These include a stronger digital promotion strategy, increased publicity budget, and free transport services to the trade fair complex from major locations in Enugu.
“We have also increased our total budget for publicity and introduced free transport services to and from the Trade Fair Complex from Abakpa, Emene, Gariki, and the Holy Ghost Bus Terminal. These buses will depart at 4pm daily to encourage residents of Enugu to visit the fair and take advantage of the opportunities available.
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“We are introducing a three-day business masterclass that will focus on the fundamentals of real business growth, the future of Artificial Intelligence for MSMEs, and how entrepreneurs can take control of their numbers and understand tax compliance.
“These programmes are designed to equip business owners with practical knowledge that will enable them to grow sustainably and compete globally.”
Onyemelukwe added that the fair would also highlight opportunities in agriculture, agro-processing, and innovation, sectors he described as critical to the region’s economic transformation.
“The fair will give more attention to boosting the agricultural sector, particularly commercial farming for job creation and food security. We want to encourage stronger linkages across the agricultural value chain, including agro-allied industries, and processing of raw materials.
“At the same time, we are encouraging researchers, innovators, and creative thinkers to participate because technological advancement is essential if our MSMEs must gain global recognition”, he said
The ECCIMA president further disclosed that the chamber’s newly commissioned 3,000-square-metre ECCIMA Premium Convention and Exhibition Hall, capable of accommodating over 140 exhibitors, will be used, for the first time, during the 2026 fair.
“Our long-standing vision has been to change the way trade fairs are organised by creating a more internationally acceptable environment, where exhibitions can take place in modern, fully air-conditioned facilities.
“That vision has now become a reality with the completion of the 3,000 square metre ECCIMA Premium Convention and Exhibition Hall, which will be used for the first time during this fair, and exhibitors are already subscribing for spaces”, he added.
He added that the official opening ceremony has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, to allow exhibitors sufficient time to complete their installations before the arrival of dignitaries.
Onyemelukwe also disclosed that the event would feature the laying of the foundation for a 3,000-square-metre Central Pavilion Exhibition Hall, which is expected to further expand the trade fair infrastructure.
