The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and key stakeholders, has launched the "Regional Strengthening of Food Safety Standards for Trade and Public Health Promotion" project to address food safety challenges in East Africa. This initiative brings together representatives from Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda to enhance the region's food safety standards and boost the competitiveness of agribusinesses, particularly micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

Tackling Food Safety Challenges

Africa faces a heavy burden of foodborne diseases, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that the continent accounts for one-third of the global foodborne disease toll, resulting in 137,000 deaths and 91 million acute illnesses annually. Ineffective food control systems only exacerbate this issue, leading to significant economic losses and hindering Africa’s participation in global agri-food markets. According to a 2016 World Bank report, food safety issues cost developing countries up to $110 billion in lost productivity and medical treatment, with Africa accounting for $16.7 billion annually.

The launch event in Kampala serves as a platform for stakeholders to discuss strategies to strengthen food regulatory systems, improve the bioavailability of nutrients, and enhance the region’s participation in the global agri-food market by adhering to international food safety standards.

Dr. Antonio Querido, FAO Representative in Uganda, emphasized the broader implications of this initiative: “As we launch this project, let us remember that our work is not only about meeting regulatory requirements but about ensuring that every individual has access to safe, nutritious food. This endeavor represents our shared commitment to advancing public health and fostering sustainable development.”

Dr. Patience Rwamigisa, the Assistant Commissioner for Agricultural Extension Coordination at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries of the Republic of Uganda, underscored the national significance of the project, stating, “the launch of this project today is a testament to the commitment of both FAO and the Government of Uganda to implementing Uganda’s food systems pathways. It marks a significant step towards actualizing the game changers identified through the Food Systems Strategic Analysis and the strategic goals of the National Development Plan IV (NDP IV). I am optimistic that this project will significantly support our ongoing efforts to establish the Food and Agricultural Regulatory Authority.”

Regional Collaboration for Improved Food Safety

The project aims to harmonize food safety standards across East Africa, promoting seamless trade and supporting the operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). By building the capacities of national food safety authorities, harmonizing protocols, and supporting MSMEs in achieving standardization and certification, the project seeks to unlock the full potential of the region's agri-food sector.

FAO Subregional Coordinator for Eastern Africa, Zimudzi Farayi, highlighted the importance of modernizing food safety policies: “Outdated food safety policies and weak control systems are holding back the continent's agri-food sector. It's time for stronger solutions.”

Farayi also underscored the significance of partnerships stating that building strong partnerships with the public and private sectors, as well as academia, is key to advancing food safety. “This project, in collaboration with organizations like the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), the East African Community (EAC), and the International Food Safety Laboratory, addresses these critical challenges, she noted”.

The AfDB stressed the importance of improving food safety as a driver of economic development and regional integration. “Food safety is fundamental to achieving sustainable agricultural growth and trade in Africa. This project aligns with the AfDB’s goals of boosting food security, enhancing agricultural productivity, and promoting trade across the continent,” stated Milly Chesire, country program officer, representing the Country representative

Prof. Martin Kimanya, speaking on behalf of the EAC Secretariat, acknowledged the project's focus on five of the eight EAC Partner States—Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan—but called for broader support. “While we recognize the importance of focusing on these five countries, the other EAC Partner States are facing similar challenges. We urge the AfDB, FAO, and other development partners to consider extending additional support to ensure the participation of all EAC Partner States.”

The "Regional Strengthening of Food Safety Standards for Trade and Public Health Promotion" project aims to develop the capacities of national food safety authorities to systematically monitor the quality and standards of both domestic and imported food, promote harmonized food safety protocols across the region to remove unnecessary trade barriers in line with the AfCFTA, and enhance the capacity of value chain actors through food safety and standardization certification programs, ultimately boosting productivity, local processing, and market competitiveness.