The East African Business Council (EABC) has received a significant financial injection from the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (Agra). The grant, valued at $399,900, will be used to bolster intra-regional trade in agri-food commodities within the East African Community (EAC).
The EABC, a regional business organization representing private sector interests in the EAC, expressed its gratitude for the funding. According to Peter Mathuki, the EABC Secretary General, the grant will play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges hindering intra-EAC agri-food trade.
“This funding will enable us to implement critical activities that will facilitate the seamless movement of agri-food products across the region,” Mathuki stated. “We will focus on improving trade infrastructure, harmonizing standards, and promoting regional value chains.”
The EABC plans to utilize the grant to support the following initiatives:
Infrastructure Development: Investment in border posts, cold storage facilities, and transport networks to enhance the efficiency of agri-food trade.
Standard Harmonization: Alignment of quality and safety standards across EAC member states to reduce trade barriers.
Regional Value Chain Promotion: Development of value chains for key agri-food commodities, such as coffee, tea, and horticulture, to increase intra-regional trade.
Capacity Building: Training and capacity development programs for stakeholders involved in the agri-food trade.
The grant from Agra is a testament to the organization’s commitment to supporting regional integration and agricultural development in Africa. By strengthening intra-EAC agri-food trade, the EABC aims to contribute to the economic growth and food security of the region.
Quote from Peter Mathuki, EABC Secretary General:
“This grant is a game-changer for our efforts to promote intra-EAC agri-food trade. It will allow us to make tangible progress in addressing the challenges that have hindered the full potential of our region’s agricultural sector.”
Additional Information:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (Agra) is a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming Africa’s agriculture through science and technology.
