Africa Newsletter 04-24-20

East Africa Update

Kenya Continues Efforts On Food Security During Covid-19

The National Cereals and Produce Board in Kenya will be purchasing 15,000 bags of rice and beans at the end of this month which is in line with government plans to continue food supplies during the Covid-19 outbreak as reported in the Business Daily. This procurement will include 4,000 bags of rosecoco beans, 4,000 bags of mwitemania, 2,000 bags of red haricot beans and 5,000 bags of rice.

Maize is trading at Ksh 3,300 per 90 kg bag in Nairobi while soybeans trading between Ksh 52/54 per kg.

Kenya has now confirmed 320 cases with 14 deaths related to Covid-19.

Uganda Government Continues To Supply Food Aid

As the lockdown in Uganda continues until 5th May, the government continues its programme through the Office of the Prime Minister to provide food aid to disadvantaged people within the urban centres. This focus has been on maize flour, beans, sugar, milk powder and cooking oil. This has seen a steady increase of the price of nambale beans to UGX 4,000 per kg in Kampala.

Maize is now trading at UGX 1,050 per kg in Kampala as maize flour remains at UGX 2,500.

Uganda has 74 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and no deaths.

Tanzania Remains Open For Business

The Tanzanian government has refused to issue a nationwide lockdown similar to other East African states even though the rate of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the country have drastically increased to 285 with 10 deaths. The government argues that Dar es Salaam is the engine of the nations economy and so will not risk shutting down the country which will have a massive impact on the livelihoods of millions of people.

Sorghum will be harvested across the country and the Mbozi area in the south-east of the country is expected to see the biggest yields. Prices are expected in the region of Tzs 600 per kg. The sorghum with a maximum moisture content of 10%, protein between 8-11% and low total aflatoxins level is a requirement for breweries in Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda.

For more information on how Covid-19 is affecting the global supply chain please see our reports Hot Commodities at panxchange.com/hot-commodities