A national stakeholder forum on the Warehouse Receipt System was held today, highlighting the system’s potential to transform Ethiopia’s agricultural economy, improve access to finance, and strengthen market stability.
The forum was organized by the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration in collaboration with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa.
The opening session was attended by State Minister for Trade Integration and Export Promotion Tazer Gebregziabher, AGRA Ethiopia Country Director Dr. Yihenew Zewdu, the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia, other state ministers, and representatives of farmers, cooperatives, and financial institutions.
Speaking at the forum, Tazer said the Warehouse Receipt System is a strategic mechanism with significant potential to support agricultural transformation, promote rural development, and deliver broader public benefits.
He noted that while the system has been used in other countries for many years to expand access to finance, it remains at an early stage in Ethiopia. As a result, awareness among key sector actors regarding its benefits and operations remains limited.
According to the State Minister, the system is designed to encourage the active participation of financial institutions. He said the government is working to strengthen the legal and operational framework needed to enable farmers and cooperatives to access bank loans by using their harvested produce as collateral.
Tazer further explained that the system will allow farmers to store their produce and supply it to markets of their choice at a convenient time, helping improve bargaining power and support market stability.
AGRA Ethiopia Country Director Dr. Yihenew Zewdu said agricultural transformation can only be meaningful when it improves the lives of farmers. He reaffirmed AGRA’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the Warehouse Receipt System, noting that it can help farmers access markets, finance, information, and storage through an integrated platform.
Participants said the forum was important in addressing misconceptions about the system and creating a common understanding among stakeholders regarding its principles, procedures, and benefits.
During the forum, the draft implementation regulation prepared to govern the system was officially introduced, while the newly established governing board was also unveiled.
Source (including image): Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration
