The recently concluded Eastern and Southern Africa Grain B2B Forum in Dar es Salaam was a resounding success, with an impressive $400 million in staple foods traded. Hosted by TradeMark Africa (TMA), the Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC), and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), the event brought together 150 delegates from nine countries for two days of intensive dialogue and business networking.
Held on 16-17 July, the forum attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including producers, traders, millers, and exporters from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, the DRC, Malawi, Zambia, and Ethiopia. Beyond establishing business connections, participants tackled pressing issues such as export bans and non-tariff barriers that continue to hinder regional trade. The delegates also explored regional opportunities to facilitate trade between food-surplus countries and their neighbours’ facing shortages. For instance, discussions highlighted how Tanzania and Uganda, with their surplus production, could meet the staple food demands of countries like Malawi and Kenya, which are grappling with shortages.
Funded by the governments of the Netherlands and USAID’s Economic Recovery and Reform Activity (USAID-ERRA) programme, alongside the Food Trade Coalition for Africa (FCTA) and UK International Development, the forum aimed to foster productive dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders in the staple foods value chain.
Mr. Elibariki Shammy, Tanzania Country Director, TMA, encapsulated the forum’s ethos, stating, “By fostering public-private collaboration, we aim to establish a more efficient and resilient trade environment for all stakeholders while building inclusive trade relationships that address smallholder farmers’ challenges. TradeMark Africa is dedicated to stimulating inclusive trade that empowers women and youth. The outcomes of this forum will contribute to enhancing food security and economic resilience.”
The forum’s agenda was rich and varied, featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions, B2B sessions, and an exhibition showcasing the latest technologies and services for grain value chain participants. It provided a robust platform for exploring regional trade opportunities and addressing logistical challenges, ultimately facilitating the seamless movement of food from regions of surplus to regions of need.
This event underscored the critical role of collaboration in overcoming trade barriers and highlighted the transformative potential of strategic partnerships. As we move forward, the insights and connections gained from this forum will be instrumental in driving sustainable growth and resilience in the region’s agricultural sector. The forum’s success not only demonstrated the power of collective action but also charted a path towards a more integrated and prosperous future for Eastern and Southern Africa.
