The Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program, is ready to host the African commodity exchange conference next week.

The conference will be held on the 8th and 9th of November according to a statement made by the organizers.

The conference hopes to study the role and functioning of commodity exchanges and the part they can play for transforming Africa explained the statement. The meeting is expected to achieve a common postion between businesses and government on how to maximize the potential of commodity exchanges on the African continent. 

Increased global attention on African food security and agricultural growth means that there is need for new market mechanism to ensure efficient and transparent commodity markets explained the statement. 
Exchanges from Ghana, Zambia, Rwanda, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and South Africa are amongst those expected to be represented at the conference. Market regulators including African policy makers, Equity Bank and Africa, EcoBank Transnational, Ex-IM Bank, and the US Securities and Exchanges commission will be represented alongside development institutions, investors, farmer organizations and technology companies.

It is expected that a lively debate will ensue at the conference as representatives discuss Africa’s postion in the global commodity market. Discussion is also anticipated in regards to the role of the state in relation to the private sector, the impact of information technology, financial stakes, and effects on the livelihood of farmers as well as problems ensuing from the volatility of commodity prices.

Source: New Business Ethiopia