[Kampala, Uganda – June 5, 2024] The Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC) has launched the 12th Annual Agribusiness Expo set to take place on June 28th & 29th, 2024, at the Kihonda Demonstration Centre. The expo is in partnership with Masindi District, TradeMark Africa through its USAID-funded Economic Recovery and Reform Activity (USAID-ERRA) project, the World Food Programme (WFP) Uganda, and Danida Green Business Partnerships (DGBP).
Under the theme, “Promoting sustainable food systems and climate-smart agriculture for inclusive trade and wealth creation,” the expo aims to bring together stakeholders from agribusiness, finance, agro-inputs, Agri-equipment, machinery, and manufacturing sectors.
EAGC is dedicated to facilitating efficient, structured, inclusive, sustainable, and profitable grain trade through policy research and advocacy, market information, training, capacity building, and the development of structured grain trading systems. This premier event will serve as a platform for stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions on sustainable food systems, employment creation, and poverty reduction.
In his opening remarks, Gerald Masila, Executive Director of EAGC, emphasized Uganda’s potential as a surplus food producer. He stated, “As EAGC continues to facilitate grain trade in the region, we are committed to working with the government to open regional markets for Uganda’s exports. Strengthening the food systems in Uganda are essential for achieving sustenance quickly. Additionally, addressing aflatoxin contamination is essential for ensuring the safety and quality of Uganda’s grain, which is crucial for maintaining regional and international markets access.’’
The expo will feature several highlights, including crop demonstration units showcasing new varieties and technologies, a livestock demonstration unit with various breeds and best practices, a machinery display section with agricultural equipment, an exhibition arena providing booths for industry actors to showcase and sell their products and services, and business-to -business (B2B) meetings facilitating trade discussions and commitments between buyers and farmers.
Cosmos Byaruhanga, LCV Chairperson of Masindi District Local Government, appreciated EAGC for hosting the Expo in Masindi. He noted, “The expo complements our efforts to position Masindi District in the East African Markets and beyond. As an Agricultural District that thrives on food and livestock production and being the largest maize producing district in the country producing approximately 21,000 metric tons annually, this event is a significant opportunity for us.”
The expo is expected to attract over 3,000 farmers and stakeholders in attendance who will benefit from capacity building and training sessions. They will also engage with the government on policy, extension services, marketing, and quality issues, raising awareness of East African Standards for food staples and post-harvest practices.
Emmanuel Asiimwe, Country Director for Uganda highlighted the expo’s role in knowledge exchange and increased production, stating, “This year, we have expanded our reach by attracting farmers from regions such as the Bunyoro-Kitara subregion, West Nile, Teso, Acholi, and Lango subregion. We aim to improve the food systems and ensure greater productivity and sustainability across these regions.”
As an outcome, the expo will enable knowledge sharing on best practices for higher and better production, enhanced product quality through competitiveness testing, and increased linkages among exhibitors and stakeholders, thus increasing the ease of doing trade in the agricultural sector. It will also explore sustainable support for the grains and pulses sector by EAGC and County governments.
“As an exhibitor, having participated in previous expos, the experience has been incredible for our company. The event has grown and improved each year, and I eagerly anticipate this year’s expo. Regarding business impact, we have created networks that have transitioned into customers, and our visibility has been significantly amplified thanks to the platform provided by EAGC. For us, it goes beyond profit-making; it’s also about our positive impact on smallholder farmers who come to learn.” Sales Manager Mas Corporation.
