Nairobi, Kenya 16th December – The Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC) and AGRA have today convened stakeholders from across the region for the Eastern & Southern Africa Private Public Policy Dialogue (PPD) to address critical policy and trade challenges and advance efforts toward sustainable agricultural trade and food security.

Building on the foundation laid in the previous PPD held in July in Dar es Salaam, this follow-up dialogue deepened discussions and broadened participation to include a wider network of policymakers, private sector players, development partners, and farmer representatives. The focus of this dialogue was to evaluate progress made since the initial forum while formulating strategies to address persistent challenges and unlock the potential of regional trade for economic growth and sustainable development.

A key theme of the dialogue was the harmonization of trade policies to eliminate bottlenecks that hinder the seamless flow of goods across borders. Delegates emphasized the need for a unified approach to policy alignment, aiming to create a conducive environment for investment and enhance the competitiveness of the region’s agricultural products. Addressing non-tariff barriers also took center stage, with stakeholders deliberating on practical solutions to reduce high transportation costs, regulatory inconsistencies, and logistical inefficiencies that have long plagued cross-border trade.

The role of innovation and technology in transforming agricultural value chains was another highlight of the discussions. Stakeholders recognized the potential of digital platforms and agri-tech solutions to improve value chain transparency, streamline operations, and empower smallholder farmers. In addition, climate resilience emerged as a critical focus, as participants explored regionally coordinated strategies to address climate change challenges and promote sustainable farming practices that ensure food security and environmental conservation.

The dialogue also underscored the importance of empowering SMEs, who play a central role in the region’s food systems. Stakeholders called for increased investments in capacity building, financial inclusion, and access to regional markets to enable these actors to fully participate in and benefit from the opportunities created by integrated trade networks.

In his remarks, Gerald Masila, Executive Director, of Eastern Africa Grain Council, highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving the region’s goals. He stated, “The outcomes of this dialogue reaffirm our shared commitment to fostering regional integration and sustainable trade systems. By working together, we can turn these discussions into actionable solutions that enhance livelihoods and secure food systems for millions of people.”

Similarly, Nega Wubeneh, Head Markets & Trade, AGRA, lauded the progress achieved since the Dar es Salaam PPD and emphasized the critical role of partnerships in driving impactful change. He remarked, “This forum has shown the power of collective effort in tackling the challenges facing agriculture and trade in our region. With the right policies and sustained collaboration, we can transform these challenges into opportunities for inclusive growth and prosperity.

The Eastern & Southern Africa PPD series was conceived as a platform for deliberations between the private sector with the relevant government agencies and regulatory authorities to address issues hampering export trade including trade restrictions, border processing, and logistics constraints. The insights generated during this forum will serve as a blueprint for sustained engagement and collaboration, ensuring that the momentum generated by this dialogue continues to drive meaningful change.