Kenya, Uganda Push AfCFTA Maize Trade as Kagwe Demands Safe, Aflatoxin-Free Grain

Nairobi, Kenya - September 8, 2023 - Kenya and Uganda are actively promoting agricultural trade within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with maize standing out as a prominent trade commodity. Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe revealed that Kenya is prepared to receive more maize imports from Uganda; however, he emphasized the need for stringent food safety standards as part of the trade expansion.

Kagwe stated that Uganda is well-equipped to supply a portion of Kenya's maize needs but urged the country to enhance post-harvest practices, particularly the drying of maize, to address issues surrounding moisture content and aflatoxin contamination. He expressed this demand during a luncheon meeting with the Ugandan Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, where representatives from both nations deliberated on strengthening agri-trade and cooperation.

Kagwe highlighted that addressing post-harvest handling concerns in Uganda would benefit both countries by opening wider markets for Ugandan maize while guaranteeing Kenyan consumers safe, high-quality food. He further noted that moisture levels and aflatoxin levels in Ugandan maize have made some Kenyan millers hesitant to purchase the grain directly from Uganda. Addressing this issue at the source, according to Kagwe, would eliminate a significant barrier to increased maize trade between the neighboring nations.

Kagwe emphasized that the maize trade discussions fit into the broader AfCFTA agenda, emphasizing the need to eliminate practical trade barriers that obstruct farmers' access to markets across the continent. He argued that African countries should leverage their unique agricultural strengths to complement each other's economies.

According to Kagwe, countries capable of producing needed commodities should gain market access provided they meet the relevant safety and quality requirements. He asserted that such an approach would help establish larger markets for farmers, enhance food security, and deepen regional economic integration.

Ugandan Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture members also advocated for increased intra-African trade, stressing that African countries have yet to fully capitalize on the opportunities provided by AfCFTA. They called for harmonization of agricultural and trade protocols, including within the East African Community (EAC), to facilitate agricultural product movement between member states.

However, the legislators insisted that harmonization should not compromise food safety and quality standards. They argued that predictable and harmonized regulations would make it easier for farmers and traders to tap into regional markets while minimizing trade obstacles.

Challenges highlighted during the discussions included climate change, water supply for agricultural production, pest and disease control, energy, cold storage, agricultural extension services, weak markets, value addition, and agribusiness. These issues impact farmers' productivity and their ability to compete in both domestic and regional markets.

Both Kenya and Uganda agreed that greater collaboration could help mitigate some of these constraints and promote agricultural transformation. Moreover, agricultural financing emerged as a key concern, with legislators from both countries noting that agriculture typically receives insufficient funding despite its critical role in food security, employment, and rural livelihoods.