The role of Aid for Trade in enhancing Food Security through value addition and market access in OACPS countries

This is the topic of the side event to be organised by the OACPS, the EU and TradeMark Africa on 27 June 2024, during the 9th Global Review of Aid for Trade which will take place at the WTO’s headquarters in Geneva.

This session will underscore the critical importance of food security for OACPS countries, as highlighted at the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13) held in Abu Dhabi from 26 February to 1 March 2024. OACPS Ministers of Trade that met on 16 February 2024 emphasised food security as a priority in their ministerial declaration on agriculture. The event will showcase OACPS-EU trade programs addressing food security through Aid for Trade initiatives, notably the Farmers Organisation for ACP (FO4ACP) Programme which enhances market access, including for Pacific farmers.

Furthermore, the session will explore the USAID funded Grain Hubs (GHubs) initiative implemented by Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC) and TradeMark Africa, as a practical solution to balance disparities between food surplus and deficits within East Africa by removing impediments to grains trade.

By presenting these two regional examples, the session aims to underline the vital role of trade facilitation in not only improving food security through ease of trade but also leveraging technology to improve the quality of grains traded. In addition, information will be disseminated on the Hand in Hand initiative being implemented by FAO.

CLIK HERE for more information about this side event !