Two agencies have launched a project to improve food safety in 10 African countries.
The African Development Bank and African Union Commission (AUC) said the Strengthening Food Safety Standards and Nutrition in Africa (SFNA) project will bolster food security, public health, and trade across the continent.
The project, launched at a workshop in Nairobi, Kenya, addresses the high burden of foodborne diseases in Africa, which according to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates published in 2015, cause an estimated 137,000 deaths and 91 million illnesses annually.
Participating countries presented their initial work plans and budgets at the workshop, focusing on areas such as strengthening lab capacities, developing evidence-based food safety investment plans, and addressing challenges including aflatoxin contamination.
César Mba Abogo, the African Development Bank’s joint secretariat support office director, said: “This project is not just an investment, but a declaration of the Bank’s unwavering commitment to build resilient food systems from farm to fork, and to improve the quality of life for every African.”
Financed by an African Development Fund grant of $8.57 million, the project involves harmonizing food safety standards and enhancing laboratory capacity, promoting a food safety, gender, and nutrition culture and ensuring effective project management to deliver results with transparency and efficiency.
It will focus on 10 countries: Cameroon, Chad, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, and Tanzania.
Dr. Janet Edeme, AUC acting head of agriculture and food security, said: “Vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, older adults, and the immunocompromised, are most impacted. Collectively through the One Health approach, we must lay the foundations for resilient food systems and healthier communities across Africa.”
Hackathon concludes
In other news, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has hosted a hackathon to promote food safety innovation in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region.
A hackathon gathers people with varied backgrounds and expertise in one location for a limited period to tackle complex scientific, technological, and societal challenges.
The Hack4SaferPlates event was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as an initiative from the Regional Food Safety Research and Innovation Network. It was also known as Hack4SafeFood.
Innovators, developers, and young professionals across the region competed to develop solutions to enhance food safety standards across the supply chain, provide early warning and rapid response to risks, and reduce food loss.
Dr. Hisham S. Aljadhey, SFDA CEO, said: “Our partnership with FAO is a vital step in leveraging technology to enhance food safety. This collaboration embodies our commitment to supporting pioneering initiatives and building a safer, more sustainable food system, which ultimately contributes to consumer protection and strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading regional center for innovation.”
The event featured workshops and mentorship sessions by local and international experts and partners. A pitch competition was judged by a jury that awarded the most practical and innovative tech-based solutions suitable for countries in the region.
Dr. Ahmad Mukhtar, regional program leader at the FAO regional office for the Near East and North Africa, said: “The hackathon is an important milestone for the FAO-led Regional Food Safety Research and Innovation Network. By bringing together bright minds to co-create solutions, we are fostering innovation that strengthens food safety systems and informs efficient policy.”
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