Enabling the business of Agriculture Data Snapshot- Kenya is a brief featuring selected data on Kenya from the World Bank's Enabling the Business of Agriculture Index (EBA) 2017 report relevant to USAID's Feed the Future work. Kenya scores well in enabling access to seed, financial services, and ICT. Its water management policy framework is also extremely strong. Kenya performs relatively well in the areas of transport and access to machinery, but its fertilizer and market scores suggest room for improvement. Overall, Kenya provides a business-friendly environment for importing agricultural technologies and products, but could do more to ensure quality control once they enter the market.

EBA is a unique tool for measuring the ease of doing agribusiness. EBA score data, coupled with contextual analysis and consultations with key stakeholders, can inform priority reforms and allow for transparent result tracking over time and across countries. The index scores the strength of the legal and institutional environment for agribusinesses across eight topics: seed, fertilizer, machinery, finance, markets, transport, water, and ICT.

From November 21-27, the Hub sponsored the African Fine Coffee Association to host seven U.S buyers in Tanzania. The mission enabled the U.S coffee buyers and roasters to experience firsthand how Tanzanian farmers grow and process their coffee. The buyer mission focused on delivering a unique country package to selected coffee buyers and roasters. As a result of the mission, U.S. coffee buyers linked with 16 Tanzanian sellers for a potential value of $180,000. 

My first time in Africa and Tanzania has been an amazing experience. I have not seen or been to a more beautiful origin. I source coffees from around the world but East Africa is special. To be able to source unique coffees, meet amazing producers, enjoy perfect weather and see a lion in one week is something I have never experienced in my life,” said Ethan Hill from Emissary Sourcing LLC.

The seven buyers came from Yuni Coffee Company, Black Rifle Company, Genuine Origin, Good Folks Coffee, Emissary Sourcing LLC, Victoria Coffee and Yuni Coffee Company. The Tanzania Coffee Board hosted the buyers and introduced them to industry leaders in Tanzanian coffee. The buyers had the opportunity to cup the top 12 coffees from the Tanzania Taste of Harvest competition and visit the Dorman’s Tanzania dry mill before attending the award ceremony for the Tanzania Taste of Harvest Winners. The U.S. buyers also visited the Tanzania Coffee Research Institute to learn about and cup the different Tanzanian coffee varieties.

The leading B-2-B fashion publication of the footwear industry, Footwear Plus magazine, is featuring a two-page spread on footwear sourcing opportunities in East Africa, and the Hub's role in helping secure market linkages. Get a sneak preview here.

Discover East Africa the New Hub for Footwear Sourcing. This catalogue focuses on footwear, particularly sourcing opportunities in Kenya and Ethiopia. Ethiopia is a significant shoe producer and the top African exporter of shoes to the U.S. under AGOA. Kenya and other countries in the region are also revitalizing their leather and footwear industries to take advantage of export opportunities to the U.S., EU, and the region.