As the FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for Africa (CCAFRICA) prepares to host its first fully in-person session since the pandemic, we sat down with Hakim Mufumbiro, Chair of the meeting. Hakim shared insights into the challenges and expectations of returning to a physical format, the critical agenda items that will steer the region's food safety strategies, and his vision for this meeting.

Hakim, thank you for joining us. While you are a familiar face in the Codex family, there might be new delegates who haven't met you yet. Could you share a brief introduction about yourself?

Currently, I am the Head the Division of Food and Agriculture Standards at the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) where I am responsible for the coordination of the development, harmonization and promotion of standards in the area of Food and Agriculture at the national, regional and international level. I have been professionally active for over 20 years in key areas in the Quality Infrastructure such as Standards and Conformity Assessment, industrial development, trade competitiveness in global markets and food safety. Also, I serve as Chairperson of several national and regional Committees including the African Organization for Standardization (ARSO) Standards Management Committee and Coordinator for the East African Community (EAC) Codex Forum.

Talking about this committee, CCAFRICA25 is set to take place in Kampala, Uganda. What steps are you taking to get ready for the meeting and do you see any challenges in going back to an in-person meeting?

As per the requirements and set procedures, the CCAFRICA Secretariat has taken the necessary detailed steps to ensure a smooth and successful CCAFRICA25 session in Kampala this year. We have had to internalize all the meeting agenda papers to fully appreciate the context and previous decisions that are useful in shaping the outcomes at the upcoming session. We have also collaborated well with the Government of Uganda to ensure all the administrative requirements are met in good time. Whilst the last CCAFRICA session was held virtually with limited in-person participation, the upcoming session returns to fully physical mode with the necessity to broadcast the proceedings in listening mode for members who may not be able to travel to Uganda. Considering Uganda’s experience of hosting several Codex sessions in the last 10 years, the CCAFRICA Secretariat is up to the task to deliver a 5-star session.

Could you provide insights into the main topics that will be discussed during the meeting?

The agenda for the session includes several exciting technical and policy related areas for discussion including topics such as the food safety and quality situation in the CCAFRICA region, status and progress of the new Codex Strategic Plan (2026-2031) which is forward looking and will place significant focus on how Codex can contribute to addressing global challenges such as climate change and sustainability as well as adopting approaches to mitigate these challenges. Additionally, the session will receive proposals for new work including development of regional standards for kethiakh and tiacry, as well as consider perspectives on harmonization and implementation of food safety and quality standards in Africa reflecting on the opportunities for harnessing collaboration between Codex and ARSO. The harmonization of standards across the continent is extremely crucial to support realization of the trade potential of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and ultimately protection of the health and safety of the 1.4 billion people in the continent.

What do you think are the big food safety and quality challenges for the region now and in the future?

The critical food safety and quality challenges for the region remain the presence of pesticide residues in trade food commodities, aflatoxins in especially the staple crops, antimicrobial resistance, unregulated excessive use of food additives in highly consumed products, limited structured ssurveillance of foodborne diseases and increased cases of food fraud. The evolving food safety landscape requires regulatory systems that can constantly adapt to existing and novel challenges brought on, amongst others, by changes in food systems and climate, by emerging hazards as well as new technologies.

Reflecting on the four-year tenure as Coordinator, what achievements under the leadership of Uganda stand out to you the most?

During the last four years, we have seen several countries in the region emerge and seek to establish strong national codex structures as well as raise awareness on Food Safety and Codex as part of the motivation that has been instilled in the members. Some members were able to hold their first national Codex committee meetings following the several capacity building events on codex work management, risk analysis and data generation that we supported in collaboration with partners such as FAO, WHO, Codex Trust Fund and African Union – InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR). Evidence from the results of the CCAFRICA scorecard suggests that several countries have continued to enhance effective participation and contribution in Codex work. The ability for the members to contribute to the work through electronic working groups as well as submit conference room documents (CRDs) prior to Codex sessions is progress in the right direction.

If you could express one desire for this CCAFRICA25, what would that be?

Deliver the outputs in a timely and efficient manner while cherishing the cordial spirit and environment known in the Codex family.

Before we conclude our interview, do you have any words of encouragement for the CCAFRICA25 delegates?

I encourage delegates to actively engage in the discussions on the several Agenda items in order to deliver results that contribute to the continued growth and development of the Continent. It is important to undertake national consultations on the different matters prior to engaging in the discussions at the regional level. The delegates should also be comforted that FAO, WHO and Codex Secretariat are always on hand to provide advice as required prior, during and after the session. Delegates should use the session to build valuable connections and networks. And lastly, find time to experience the vibrant night life of Kampala and also visit the numerous tourist attractions in Uganda which is the “Pearl of Africa”.

Read more

CCAFRICA25 webpage