CABI Participates in CCAFRICA 25 to Support Food Value Chains and Break Non-Tariff Barriers to Trade

CABI has participated in the 25th session of the FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for Africa (CCAFRICA 25) to help support sustainable food value chains and break down non-tariff barriers to trade.

All speakers at the opening ceremony acknowledged the regional and global challenges faced by countries in the CCAFRICA region and recognized the Codex Alimentarius Commission as key in addressing those challenges related to food safety and trade.

Key Topics of Concern

Representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the African Union (AU) highlighted several pressing issues:

• Antimicrobial resistance
• Aflatoxins
• Pesticide residues
• Weak national food control systems
• Food fraud
• Microplastics and environmental contaminants
• Water availability

Adoption of Africa Regional Food Safety Standards

Dr. Gbemenou Joselin Benoit Gnonlonfin, CABI’s Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Global Program Lead, attended the event in Kampala, Uganda, as an observer in the Codex Alimentarius Commission. He contributed to discussions on setting regional food safety standards and aligning agrifood sector activities with regional priorities.

During the event, the Committee emphasized the need to further engage with regional Codex Observers, including CABI, to improve data collection and regulatory alignment. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), implemented in May 2020, reinforced the importance of an efficient system for managing sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures.

Development and Improvement of Sustainable Value Chains

Dr. Gnonlonfin stated, “CABI, as an observer in Codex, helps both to support the development and improvement of sustainable value chains as well as breaking down non-tariff barriers to trade.”

He emphasized that many developing countries struggle to establish conducive regulatory environments and domesticate regional and international regulations. He added that effective public-private partnerships (PPP) and collaborative mechanisms are essential for successful implementation.

“Ensuring the right regulation is in place and followed is critical for creating sustainable agricultural value chains and eliminating non-tariff barriers to trade,” he noted.

Improving Access to Markets and Boosting Livelihoods

Dr. Gnonlonfin highlighted that smallholder farmers, processors, traders, and food business operators (FBOs) produce most of the world’s food but face significant hurdles in complying with regional and international SPS standards.

CABI works with countries, donors, and partners to develop an SPS strategy that helps smallholder farmers, processors, and traders produce safer food and gain better market access.

At the opening ceremony, Honourable Francis Mwebesa, Uganda’s Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, emphasized, “Emerging hazards, climate change, and new technologies require our regulatory systems to adapt quickly. While harmonized standards are essential, their value lies in the extent of their implementation.”

Future Steps

The Committee recognized the need to modernize national food control systems to improve food safety and trade opportunities. Honourable Ltd. Col. (Rtd.) Bright Rwamirama, Uganda’s Minister of State for Animal Industry, stated, “By strengthening our national food control system, we can improve the quality and safety of traded food commodities and raise the profile of Codex and food safety issues.”

Three well-attended side events explored consumer food safety education and advocacy, including the use of digital platforms.

CCAFRICA 25 Conclusion

The session concluded with The Gambia being nominated as the new Regional Coordinator, succeeding Uganda.

The delegate from The Gambia reaffirmed their commitment, stating, “The Gambia stands committed to the ideas of CCAFRICA, and we will ensure that we continue working with each and every Member Country to advance the agenda of CCAFRICA.”

Source- CABI