Creation of Africa Food Safety Agency edges closer

The creation of the Africa Food Safety Agency has moved a step closer to reality following a meeting in February.

Adoption of the statute to establish the agency was taken during the 38th ordinary session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Officials said the decision shows the continent’s commitment to protecting consumer health, strengthening food safety governance and facilitating trade in safe food products under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The agency will serve as a specialized technical institution of the Africa Union, to coordinate and harmonize food safety policies, regulations, and risk assessment frameworks across member states.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the African Union Commission, welcomed adoption of the statute, saying creation of the agency was a crucial milestone.

No date has been set yet for the agency to become operational. A proposal to establish an Africa Food Safety Agency was endorsed by the African Union executive council in 2019. 

Protect public health and boost trade
Foodborne illness affects 91 million people in Africa and results in 137,000 deaths annually — one-third of the global burden, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). 

The agency will establish a continental food safety data hub and rapid alert system, providing support to member states in managing risks and emergencies. It will also coordinate initiatives at continental level while strengthening the food safety coordination function of regional economic communities.

The authority is expected to boost the competitiveness of Africa’s food and agricultural products by ensuring compliance with international food safety standards. This will help unlock new market opportunities, reduce trade barriers, and enhance consumer confidence in African food products.

“With the Africa Food Safety Agency, we are taking a decisive step towards transforming our agri-food systems. It will not only help protect public health but will also boost intra-African trade by facilitating the harmonization of food safety standards and supporting our member states in building robust food control systems,” said Josefa Sacko, outgoing Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment.

The Africa Food Safety Agency will work with AU Member States, regional economic communities, the private sector, research institutions, the ACFTA Secretariat and international partners to raise food safety levels to safeguard public health and reduce foodborne disease outbreaks.

The African Union Commission has been tasked with fast-tracking operationalization of the Africa Food Safety Agency, including putting in place structures and establishing frameworks working together with member states and partners.

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