Regional stakeholders in the grain sector must work together in order to realise more returns through the whole grain value chain, Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi has said. 

The premier, who was yesterday opening a three-day sixth African Grain Trade Summit (AGTS)—in Kigali, said while the East African Community (EAC) has made significant progress in implementing the Customs Union, critical policy, regulatory and procedural barriers remain to create an enabling environment for trade in staple foods.

"Enabling a more competitive grain sector that brings satisfaction to farmers, traders and millers with innovative ICT connection through the whole grain value chain will offer attractive returns on investment; and at the same time reduce the cost of doing business in the region,” Murekezi said.

"We have to work as a team, a winning team, and create synergies, harmonise procedures and standards and forge partnerships which support the growth of the grain sector in Africa.”

The biennial multi-stakeholder event is organised by the Eastern African Grain Council (EAGC) and hosted by the 10 EAGC-mandate countries, including all EAC partner states on a rotational basis, this year being hosted by Rwanda from October 1 to 3.

The summit, under the theme "Toward Creating an Enabling Environment for Grain Trade in Africa: Technology, Investment, Information, Policy and Services,” has brought together high-level stakeholders in the regional grain sector to discuss and agree on mechanisms that will bring about an enabling environment for effective and efficient public sector participation in regional grain trade.

The ultimate goal is to improve livelihoods, ensure more inclusive economic growth and socio-economic development.

Bernad Otim, the chairperson of the Eastern African Grain Council, acknowledged that there are several issues that have constrained trade in staple foods in EAC, and this has seen many East Africans face food deficits as grain traders find it difficult to trade across the region.

Otim said through the summit stakeholders should be able to propose solutions for their removal, including identifying priorities and quick wins, and identifying key champions to engage in their removal.

Grains are a major food commodity traded in the region forming about 80 per cent of edible food within the region, according available figures.

Michael Hailu, the director of the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation, said there is also a need for regional grain stakeholders to comply with quality standards for greater safety and competitiveness, even on global market.

Murekezi pledged Rwanda government’s commitment to the grain sector and an enabling environment for grain trade.

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