Traders hope to establish direct shipments of Russian grain to Africa

MOSCOW. June 7 (Interfax) - Russia is prepared to supply grain to Africa and traders hope to establish direct shipments to countries on the continent, the Agriculture Ministry's Agroexport Center said after the start of the African AgroMarathon 2022 on Monday.

The business mission of Russian agricultural exporters and representatives of African countries is being held online. The participants included nine of Russia's largest producers and exporters of grain, and representatives of grain importers, distributors and processers from Tunisia, Kenya, Nigeria, Cameroon and South Africa.

"Beginning in the next grain season, we can establish direct supplies of Russian grain to African countries, bypassing the involvement of international traders, which will make it possible to simplify and reduce the cost of exports," the head of prospective markets at United Grain Company, Andrei Fadeyev was quoted as saying by Agroexport.

African countries account for 20% of global grain imports and their share is expected to grow, the center said.

"For Africa, Russia is traditionally the preferred supplier of wheat, which meets all of processers' requirements in terms of quality. African companies are interested in expanding supplies and resolving problems in settlements and logistics," Agroexport said.

Group meetings between Russian companies and foreign partners on issues concerning supplies of oil and fat, dairy, meat, confectionery and some other products will also be held as part of the marathon.