Using digital technology it provides information about market opportunities, tracks goods, enhances transparency and connects buyers and sellers. The platform also issues regional quality certifications and protects farmers against prices falling too low by offering storage facilities that enable them to sell their goods at more favourable prices in the future. The platform, which received a USD 4.4 million DfID grant, is implemented by the Eastern Africa Grain Council in partnership with various industry stakeholders (grain traders and buyers, policy and research bodies, trade and information agencies). Engagement with the private sector has proved critical to the success of the project {OECD-WTO aid-for-trade monitoring exercise 2017, Public sector case story 70).