EAGC, AGRA launches Ethiopia-Kenya Pulse Trade Project to promote export-oriented pulse trade between the two countries
The Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC) in partnership with Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa
(AGRA) has launched the Ethiopia-Kenya Pulse Trade Project that aims to catalyze inclusive, export-
oriented pulse trade between Ethiopia and Kenya, laying the groundwork for sustainable growth in East
Africa.
During a landmark occasion that took place late last month in Addis Ababa, 40 influential stakeholders,
including the Ministers of Agriculture, alongside investors, exporters, and farmer unions were brought
together under a common purpose of strengthening pulse trade partnerships, acknowledging their
essential role in fostering regional integration and economic prosperity.
According to Dr. Yihenew Zewdie, Country Director of AGRA in Ethiopia, there is 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 said.
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.
Need to enhance value addition
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.
Mr. Gerald Masila, Executive Director of EAGC, announced that trade intent agreements worth 6 million
USD had been signed, boosting the project’s momentum. The EAGC and Ethiopian Pulses Oilseeds and
Spices Exporters Association (EPOSEA) also signed an MoU to promote a more structured grain trade,
aiming to improve market efficiency, adopt sustainable farming practices, and enhance food security in
the region.
Policy framework to support pulse trade
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.