Agriculture plays an integral role in East Africa’s economy as it accounts for over 30% of the region’s gross domestic product (GDP).
The sector also employs over 80% of the region’s labour force and accounts for about 65% of all foreign exchange earnings. The East African Agricultural sector also contributes more than 50% of raw materials to the regional manufacturing sector.
It is in this regard that the Agribusiness Confederation of East Africa (ACEA) recently launched the ACEA Buyer-Seller platform. The platform was launched through Facebook to connect private sector players in agribusiness within the East African community region.
The virtual launch event was hosted by Dr. Kevit Desai, Principal Secretary in the State Department of East Africa Community in the Ministry of East Africa Community and Regional Development; Hon. Dr. Peter Mathuki, Secretary-General of the East African Community and Dr. Bimal Kantaria, Agriculture Sector Network (ASNET) Chair.
Rwanda: High airfreight charges threaten horti export competitiveness
Rwandan horticulture exporters have appealed for lower airfreight charges after an increase in the transport fees has adversely affected their profits. The increase of the airfreight charges was attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic. The change in air cargo transport pricing started in March when the Covid-19 disrupted the travel and aviation industry, resulting in the suspension of commercial passenger flights. Both airlines are the main providers of cargo air transportation services in the country.
Donatille Nibagwire, the owner of a company engaged in horticulture exports told
The New Timesthat this issue is making Rwandan horticulture exporters lose competitiveness at the international markets compared to regional exporters whose airfreight charges did not increase. The company exports bananas, avocados, chilli, and sweet potato leaves to Europe, but Nibagwire said it halted the exportation of bananas as a re