East African
Job Fair 2026

A full day of keynotes, panels, and direct employer access bringing East African job seekers and Minnesota's top employers together under one roof.

For Job Seekers
Find Your Next Opportunity

Meet 50 or more employers actively hiring across healthcare, logistics, technology, government, and more. Free to attend. Free resume coaching on site.

For Employers
Find Your Next Hire

Access one of Minnesota's most driven talent pools. Three booth packages from $2,000. Meet qualified East African candidates face to face.

Date
Thursday, July 10, 2026
Time
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location
Zawadi Center, Bloomington MN
Admission
Free for Job Seekers
0Full Day
0Employers
0Job Seekers
0Speakers
FreeCommunity Entry
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About the Event

More Than a Job Fair.
A Community Movement.

Minnesota's first full day job fair dedicated exclusively to East African professionals and job seekers. Keynote speakers, expert panels, and direct employer access all under one roof at the Zawadi Center in Bloomington.

Morning Conference

Keynotes, panels, and sessions led by East African professionals and industry leaders.

Afternoon Job Fair

50 or more employers actively hiring across healthcare, logistics, technology, and government.

Career Coaching

Free resume review, interview prep, and one on one coaching with workforce professionals.

Community Centered

Culturally grounded programming designed by and for the East African community in Minnesota.

"Connecting East African talent to Minnesota opportunity, one career at a time."

Presented by Soma Employment Solutions, a workforce development organization connecting individuals, employers, and communities to real opportunity since 2019. With a presence across Minnesota, we have built a track record of meaningful employment outcomes, deep employer relationships, and lasting community trust.

The East African Job Fair is our boldest step yet, building a permanent annual event that creates real employment pathways for thousands of East Africans across Minnesota.

Statewide Minnesota Est. 2019 East African Community Workforce Development
Your Community. Your Stage.

Built from the ground up by East Africans, for East Africans. Every panel, every session, every speaker reflects who we are and where we are going.

Bridging Two Worlds.

At the intersection of East African identity and Minnesota's growing economy — this is where talent meets opportunity and careers are launched.

Building Something Permanent.

This is not a one time event. We are building an annual institution that creates lasting economic power for East Africans in Minnesota.

Day of Event

A Full Day of Purpose and Opportunity

Morning programming followed by an afternoon job fair. One day, two powerful sessions.

9:00 AM
Doors Open and Check In
Registration, welcome coffee, and early networking with attendees and speakers.
All Attendees
9:30 AM
Opening Keynote Address
Setting the vision for East African workforce excellence and economic power in Minnesota.
Keynote
10:30 AM
Panel: Navigating the Minnesota Workforce
East African professionals share career journeys, strategies, and lessons from Minnesota's job market.
Panel
11:30 AM
Workforce Development Session
Expert led workshop on professional skills and employment pathways for East African job seekers.
Workshop
12:30 PM
Networking Lunch
Guided lunch networking. Connect with speakers, employers, and fellow community members.
Networking
1:30 PM
Job Fair Opens
50 or more employers across healthcare, technology, logistics, government, manufacturing, and professional services.
Job Fair
1:30 PM
Resume Review Station
On site resume coaching and feedback from certified workforce professionals. Runs all afternoon at no cost.
Free Service
2:00 PM
Interview Preparation Workshops
Live mock interviews, coaching, and professional tips. Walk in, walk out confident.
Workshop
3:30 PM
Employer Speed Networking
Rapid one on one sessions with hiring managers from top Minnesota companies.
Networking
4:30 PM
Closing Ceremony and Celebration
Recognition, resources, and community celebration to close Minnesota's most important East African workforce event.
Closing
Who Should Attend

This Event Is Built for You

Job Seekers

Entering the workforce or ready for something better? Meet employers actively hiring and get free coaching before you step on the floor.

Working Professionals

Ready to advance? Connect with new industries and learn from East African professionals who have made the journey.

Employers and Recruiters

Access one of Minnesota's most driven and underserved talent pools. Meet qualified candidates across industries, ready to work on day one.

Employer Booth Registration

Reserve Your Booth

Three packages for different levels of visibility and hiring reach. All booths include access to East African job seekers actively looking for work.

Community Sponsor
Standard Booth
$2,000
  • 1 employer booth on the job fair floor
  • Table, chairs, and event signage provided
  • Name listed in event program and on website
  • Access to job seeker resumes submitted in advance
  • 2 staff passes included
  • Social media recognition post
Most Popular
Champion Sponsor
Featured Booth
$3,000
  • Premium corner booth with high traffic placement
  • Company banner displayed in the main hall
  • 60 second brand spotlight during opening session
  • Logo on all event marketing materials
  • Priority access to job seeker resume database
  • 4 staff passes included
  • Dedicated social media feature post
  • Recognition in keynote opening remarks
Premier Sponsor
Presenting Sponsor
$4,000
  • Top tier booth with the best location in the venue
  • Named as Presenting Sponsor of the event
  • Logo on stage backdrop and all printed materials
  • 5 minute speaking opportunity at the event
  • Full resume database access for all attendees
  • 6 staff passes and 2 VIP passes
  • Full page feature in the event program
  • 3 dedicated social media posts before, during, and after
  • Post event impact report and attendee data

Want to sponsor without a booth?

Event Location

Where We Gather

Zawadi Center
East African owned event center and restaurant in Bloomington, Minnesota
1701 American Blvd E, Suite 15, Bloomington, MN 55425
Open in Google Maps
Date and Time
Thursday, July 10, 2026   9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Doors open at 8:30 AM
Parking
Free surface parking on site with additional street parking nearby.
Public Transit
Accessible via Metro Transit. Plan your trip at metrotransit.org
Accessibility
Fully ADA accessible. Accommodations available upon request at no charge.
Join Us

Register for July 10, 2026

Free Admission
Job Seeker Registration

Attend the full day and connect with 50 or more employers ready to hire. Free resume coaching included.

$2,000 to $4,000
Employer Booth Registration

Reserve your booth and meet your next hires face to face. Three packages. Limited spots, reserve early.

Custom Partnership
Sponsorship Inquiry

Partner with us to support the East African community. Fully custom packages, no cost or commitment to reach out.

Questions? We are here.

Info@somaemployment.com
Free Registration

Job Seeker Registration

East African Job Fair 2026  ·  July 10, 2026  ·  Zawadi Center, Bloomington  ·  Completely Free

Your registration will be sent to Soma Employment Solutions at Info@somaemployment.com. A confirmation will be emailed to you.

Booth Registration

Employer Booth Registration

East African Job Fair 2026  ·  July 10, 2026  ·  Limited booth space available

Payment instructions will be sent via email after submission. Booth space confirmed upon receipt of payment. Limited spots available, reserve early.

Partnership Inquiry

Sponsorship Inquiry

East African Job Fair 2026  ·  No cost or commitment  ·  We will follow up within 3 business days

No cost or commitment to submit this inquiry. Our team will reach out within 3 business days to discuss partnership options.