African Union to set up a Continental Food Safety Agency
The institution will serve as a Specialized Technical Institution of the African Union, playing a pivotal role in harmonising food safety standards across the continent.
AFRICA – The African Union (AU) took up the statute to establish the Africa Food Safety Agency, aiming to protect public health and boost intra-African trade during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 16 February 2025.
The decision marks a significant advancement in the continent’s commitment to protect consumer health, strengthen Africa’s food safety governance and facilitate trade in safe food products under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
This development is expected to address Africa’s burden of foodborne illnesses affecting 91 million people, resulting in 137,000 deaths annually (one-third of the global mortality), according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Additionally, unsafe food costs sub-Saharan Africa and Southeastern Asia an estimated US$110 billion annually in lost productivity and medical expenses.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, welcomed the adoption of the Statute, emphasising the transformative impact of establishing the Africa Food Safety Agency as a crucial milestone in Africa’s journey towards a more integrated and prosperous continent.
The institution will serve as a Specialized Technical Institution of the African Union, playing a pivotal role in harmonising food safety standards across the continent, directly supporting AfCFTA objectives and advancing the goals of agenda 2063.
“With the Africa Food Safety Agency, we are taking a decisive step towards transforming our agri-food systems. It will help protect public health and boost intra-African trade by facilitating the harmonisation of food safety standards and supporting our Member States in building robust food control systems,” H.E. Amb. Josefa Sacko, the outgoing Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, noted.
Core functions and duties of Africa’s Food Safety Agency
The Agency will establish a continental food safety data hub and rapid alert system, providing critical support to Member States in managing food safety risks and emergencies.
It will also coordinate food safety initiatives at the continental level while complementing and strengthening Regional Economic Communities’ food safety coordination function.
Its establishment is expected to boost the competitiveness of Africa’s food and agricultural products by ensuring compliance with international food safety standards. This will be instrumental in unlocking new market opportunities, reducing trade barriers, and enhancing consumer confidence in African food products.
The Africa Food Safety Agency will also work closely with AU Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the private sector, research institutions, the ACFTA Secretariat and international partners to raise food safety levels to safeguard public health, reduce foodborne disease outbreaks, and ensure sustainable food production systems.
The African Union Commission will fast-track the implementation of the Food Safety Agency, including establishing structures and frameworks and working with Member States and partners. Therefore, they call on all stakeholders—including governments, development partners, and the private sector—to support the execution.
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