African grain sector in the spotlight

The summit is timely as global focus shifts to Africa's potential to feed itself and the world. Africa with an estimated population of one billion people and an area of 30.2-million km² is home to seven of the world's ten fastest growing economies with a projected economic growth rate of 6%. Additionally, the continent has a youthful population, a rich resource base, rising incomes and a steadily growing private sector - all these factors make for a healthy and attractive investment environment.

Dismantling barriers

Delegates will focus on advocating for a predictable agricultural trade policy and price environment which facilitates public private partnerships and stimulate increased investments along the grain value chain. Additionally, opportunities for innovation and technology adoption to address constraints and increase agricultural investments in Africa will be explored as will means of optimising intra-Africa market access by dismantling barriers to trade. Delegates will also discuss how to scale up agribusiness financing for Africa's grain trade through structured trading systems.

"The summit will be setting the stage and opening doors through establishing essential linkages and new and increased investments in grain trade in Africa," says the EAGC executive director, Gerald Masila.

During the summit, the first ever structured trading systems handbook will be launched and is envisioned as being a game-changing tool in grain trade in Africa and beyond.