AGRA

On 24th September 2024, a landmark occasion unfolded at the Ramada Hotel in Addis Ababa, marking the launch of the Ethiopia-Kenya Pulse Trade Project. Spearheaded by the Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC) in partnership with AGRA, this innovative initiative aims to catalyze inclusive, export-oriented pulse trade between Ethiopia and Kenya, laying the groundwork for sustainable growth in East Africa.

The event brought together 40 influential stakeholders, including the Ministers of Agriculture, alongside investors, exporters, and farmer unions. United by a common purpose, these leaders pledged to strengthen pulse trade partnerships, acknowledging their essential role in fostering regional integration and economic prosperity.

Dr. Yihenew Zewdie, Country Director of AGRA in Ethiopia, emphasized the critical importance of cross-border trade in advancing the economic interests of Ethiopia, Kenya, and the broader African continent. “By promoting trade across our borders, we are ushering in a new era of regional cooperation that will fuel growth and prosperity for generations to come,” he affirmed.

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Abera Mulat, Senior Advisor at the Ministry of Agriculture, stated, “Ethiopia proudly leads this transformative initiative, demonstrating regional integration and the immense potential for sustainable agricultural development. Together, we are charting a course towards inclusive growth, focusing on empowering smallholder farmers, women, and youth.” His words resonated with the audience, reinforcing his commitment to inclusivity.

John Macharia, Country Director of AGRA in Kenya, underscored the need to enhance value addition within the pulses sector. “Our ambition is clear: by 2027, we aim to transform raw pulses into higher-value products, ensuring that trade benefits penetrate deep into local communities,” he articulated. This vision of enhancing value chains and promoting innovation in agriculture is central to the project’s mission.

The launch also addressed significant challenges in the sector, such as inefficient market systems, internal conflicts, inflated local prices, and low productivity among small-scale farmers. However, a prevailing sentiment of optimism and determination resonated among stakeholders, with a collective commitment to overcoming these obstacles through robust partnerships, improved market access, and an enabling policy environment.

In a noteworthy announcement, Mr. Gerald Masila, Executive Director of EAGC, revealed that importers and exporters had signed trade intent agreements totaling an impressive 6 million USD, solidifying the project’s early momentum. Furthermore, the Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC) and the Ethiopian Pulses Oilseeds and Spices Exporters Association (EPOSEA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote structured grain trade, which involves creating a more organized and efficient market for grain transactions. Additionally, it seeks to revolutionize production practices by implementing innovative and sustainable farming techniques. Ultimately, the MoU is to enhance food security across the region by ensuring a reliable supply of quality grain and improving the livelihoods of farmers and stakeholders involved in the agricultural sector.

This initiative marks a vibrant public-private dialogue towards a comprehensive policy framework to support pulse trade. By improving market access, enhancing supply chains, and creating opportunities for job creation and value addition, the Ethiopia-Kenya Pulse Trade Project aspires to revolutionize the agricultural landscape of East Africa.

As we look to the future, the promise of this project is unmistakable: to bolster food security, empower smallholder farmers, enhance income generation, and champion long-term sustainability. With steadfast support from partners such as the MasterCard Foundation and Soil & More, we are charting a course for a future where agriculture underpins economic resilience and prosperity across borders.

Together, we are sowing the seeds of a thriving trade ecosystem, and this launch signifies merely the first step in what is sure to be a transformative journey for the region. Stakeholders are encouraged to continue engaging in dialogue and collaboration, ensuring that the vision of the Ethiopia-Kenya Pulse Trade Project becomes a reality for communities throughout East Africa.

Dr. Yihenew Zewdie, Country Director of AGRA in Ethiopia

Mr. Abera Mulat,Senior Advisor at the Ministry of Agriculture