DAR ES SALAAM, July 18 -- DESPITE showcasing high-quality products at major trade fairs, domestic small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face challenges in maintaining standard consistently, hampering their long-term growth and market competitiveness.

Many entrepreneurs excel during exhibitions, drawing attention with innovative and well-crafted products.

However, post-fair, a troubling pattern emerges: These SMEs struggle to uphold the same quality and product availability. An economist-cum-investment banker, Dr Hilderbrand Shayo, warned that this gap pinpoints a broader issue of market readiness and operational sustainability.

“This inconsistency undermines customer trust, hampers repeat business and ultimately, stifles sustainabl...