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Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC), with support of USAID’s East Africa Trade and Investment Hub, Hosts Trade Facilitation Forum in Addis, Ethiopia

Trade deals in terms of 51 contracts amounting to 275,000 MT estimated at USD, 55,000,000 were signed today at the Ethiopian capital for export of grains (maize and pulses) from Ethiopia to Eastern and the southern Africa. This took place at a Regional Grain Trade Facilitation Forum hosted by the Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC) in partnership with the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce & Sectoral Associations (AACCSA). The first multilateral grain trade facilitation forum was supported by USAID’s East Africa Trade and Investment Hub.

The forum brought together over 40 sellers of maize and other commodities from Ethiopia and over 50 buyers of grain from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe. The sellers comprised of cooperative unions, commercial farmers and grain exporters; buyers included maize millers, grain trading companies and national food reserve agencies.

The forum also created a platform for knowledge sharing and networking among the participants on trade and investment program between Ethiopia and eastern & southern Africa countries, with a focus on increasing regional trade.

Presently, the eastern and southern Africa region is experiencing a scarcity of rainfall and drought conditions leading to a shortage in availability of food grains, including maize and pulses. The situation has concerned the authorities to the extent that some have initiated interventions restricting exports. Some grain traders and processors have also had their operations affected due to the shortage of grains. In the recent harvest season, Ethiopia experienced a bumper harvest estimated at over 4,000,000 MT of maize in addition to beans and other pulses.

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PRESS RELEASE

Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC) Signs MoU with Vehicle and Equipment Leasing Limited (Quipbank) to Provide Leasing Equipment through EAGC–GSoko and E-Tinga Platforms

Grain Farmers to now Access Leasing Services through E-Tinga and G-Soko Platforms

 [Nairobi, Kenya, 20^th February 2017]. The Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC) today has inked a partnership with the Vehicle and Equipment Leasing Limited (“QUIPBANK”) for a mutually beneficial agreement for the provision of farm equipment and implements to farmers and other grain stakeholders. The MoU is intended to provide farming solutions to the farmers and grain stakeholders through provision of platforms for leasing vehicles and equipment at cost effective arrangements through EAGC –G-Soko and E-Tinga platforms.

Speaking during the ceremony, EAGC Executive Director, Mr Gerald Masila said the MoU demonstrates commitment by both parties to implement the new journey and route that EAGC is taking to facilitate efficient, structured, inclusive and profitable grain trade in the eastern region, ensuring reduced cost of production.

Mr Masila added that, for many years, farmers in Eastern Africa have had a hard time accessing farm mechanization services hindering farmer’s capacity to fully maximize on their farm’s output, therefore, through this partnership, we aim to create an environment where farmers maximise on mechanization, increasing income and improving food security.

The EAGC- GSoko project is aimed at bringing structure and consistency to trade in grains, which are a critical component of our staple food value chain systems,” explained Gerald Masila,

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