In the midst of unprecedented global disruption, eProd Solutions, in partnership with Buhler Limited and with support from DEG, launched two of the most impactful free training programs the African agricultural sector has seen: the Africa Grains Online course and its vital extension, Market Compliance Online. This is the story of how these initiatives empowered over 1,600 commodity traders and food processors to navigate the storm of a pandemic and the complexities of new European trade regulations, turning existential threats into opportunities for growth.
As the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill, African agribusinesses faced a daunting reality. Lockdowns crippled supply chains, restricting the movement of goods and people, and threatening the very foundation of the continent’s food systems. For commodity traders and food processors, the inability to connect with farmers and markets was not just an inconvenience—it was an existential crisis.
“The pandemic was a wake-up call. We saw businesses that had relied on traditional, face-to-face operations suddenly cut off from their networks. We knew we had to act, and we had to do it at scale.”
— Almut Van Casteren, COO, eProd Solutions
In response, eProd Solutions and Buhler Limited joined forces to launch the Africa Grains Online course (www.africagrainsonline.net). This free, comprehensive e-learning program was designed to equip participants with essential skills in basic milling technology and sustainable supply chain management. By moving the training online, the program broke down the barriers of physical distance, allowing businesses to not only survive but also to build more resilient and efficient operations for the future.
From Pandemic Response to Proactive Market Readiness
Just as the sector began to adapt to the new realities of the pandemic, another challenge emerged on the horizon: the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This landmark policy, while aimed at promoting sustainable trade, introduced a complex new layer of compliance requirements for companies exporting commodities like coffee, cocoa, and rubber to the EU. For many African SMEs, the prospect of navigating these new rules was overwhelming, risking the loss of their most valuable market.
Recognizing this urgent need, the project was extended to include the Market Compliance Online course (www.marketcomplianceonline.net). This specialized program was developed to demystify the EUDR, providing businesses with the practical knowledge and tools needed to ensure their products were deforestation-free and fully compliant with EU standards.
“The EUDR is more than a policy; it’s a fundamental shift in how global supply chains operate. Our goal with the Market Compliance Online course was to give African businesses a clear, affordable, and locally relevant pathway to compliance. We wanted to show that this regulation could be an opportunity, not a barrier.”
— Jackline Mwangi, Africa Grains Online coordinator, eProd Solutions
A Resounding Success: The Impact in Numbers
The response to both courses was nothing short of phenomenal. The programs attracted a diverse and engaged cohort of participants from across Sub-Saharan Africa, far exceeding all initial targets.
Africa Grains Online
| Metric | Achievement |
| Registered Participants | 1,657 |
| Selected Participants | 1,506 |
| Certified Graduates | 644 |
The true measure of success, however, lies in the tangible impact on the businesses themselves. Post-training surveys revealed a dramatic increase in confidence and capability:
- 95% of participants reported being better prepared to source food-safe and traceable raw materials.
- 86% felt the training led to a more efficient and tailored business sourcing strategy.
- 88% believed they were in a better negotiation position in the market for their final products.
Market Compliance Online
| Metric | Achievement |
| Registered Participants | 1,599 |
| Selected Participants | 1580 |
| Certified Graduates | 883 |
Lessons in Resilience, Collaboration, and the Power of Digital
The success of the Africa Grains Online and Market Compliance Online courses offers powerful lessons for the future of capacity building in Africa. It demonstrates that even in times of crisis, digital tools can create unprecedented access to knowledge and opportunity. The strong collaboration between eProd Solutions, Buhler, DEG, and other key partners like the FAO and ITC was instrumental, proving that a multi-stakeholder approach is essential for tackling complex, sector-wide challenges.
While the journey is far from over—with challenges like commercial sustainability and regulatory uncertainty still to be addressed—the project has laid a powerful foundation. It has proven that with the right tools, the right partnerships, and a deep understanding of local needs, African agribusinesses can not only meet the demands of a rapidly changing world but can thrive in it.
The future of African agriculture is digital, and it is happening now. To learn more about how eProd is empowering businesses across the continent, contact us today for a demo.