Dodoma, Tanzania. October 11, 2024 – USAID’s Economic Recovery and Reform Activity (ERRA) and the Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC) hosted an agribusiness expo at Kibaigwa in Dodoma, Tanzania as part of their Partnerships for Sustainable Food Systems and Inclusive Export-Oriented Food Trade project.
Kibaigwa is one of the largest maize trading hubs and is central to Tanzania’s grain trade, linking farmers across the country to regional and global markets. The expo comes at a crucial time as Tanzania enters its primary harvesting season and will provide farmers farmers to learn and implement post-harvest management practices, ensuring that produce meets quality standards for both local and export markets. Over 20 companies exhibited climate-smart technologies and innovations to enhance farm resilience and reduce environmental impacts. The emphasis was on promoting practices that reduce post-harvest losses and increase farmers’ incomes by ensuring quality produce for export.
Gerald Masila, Executive Director of EAGC, underscored the key role the expo plays in promoting sustainable farming practices and fostering export-oriented trade. He noted that the event, which brought together over 2,000 farmers, agribusiness stakeholders, and exhibitors from regions including Singida, Manyara, Morogoro, and Dodoma, exemplified how strategic public-private partnerships can unlock Tanzania’s agricultural potential to drive economic growth.
Sebastien Msola of Kibaigwa Flour Supplies welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with EAGC, saying, “As a key player in the grain industry, we are excited to partner with the Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC) to bring together stakeholders for business-to-business interactions that will strengthen the value chain. This platform allows us to not only showcase the quality of our grains but also to explore innovations that improve market access, ultimately benefiting both farmers and traders.”
Hon. Mayeka Saimon Mayeka, District Commissioner of Kongwa said the expo was an important forum for farmers to connect directly with buyers. “EAGC’s consistent efforts to advocate for structured trade and cross-border market access are what make this event so impactful,” he added. “It’s not just about immediate business transactions, but about laying the foundation for a more transparent, profitable, and inclusive grain market that will benefit the region in the long run.”
“As a farmer, this expo comes at a perfect time when we are harvesting and looking for reliable markets for our grain. Thanks to the efforts of EAGC in promoting structured trade, we now have access to better market opportunities and fair prices. This platform allows us to connect directly with buyers and learn more about improving the quality of our produce, ensuring that our hard work translates into real value.”said Isaya Mapya, a member of Nazareti Farmers Group.
The expo also provided a platform for Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings, facilitating interactions between farmers, traders, and service providers. These meetings are expected to drive new partnerships and improve market access for Tanzania’s agricultural produce, particularly in grains and cereals, which are key export commodities for the country. The EAGC will continue to support farmers by offering continuous training and access to technologies that enhance sustainable agricultural practices, create inclusive opportunities for farmers to access larger markets, and contribute to food security and economic growth.
