The soon-to-be-established Africa Food Safety Agency will serve as a Specialized Technical Institution of the Africa Union, dedicated to coordinating and harmonizing food safety policies, regulations, and risk assessment frameworks across Member States. This move is in response to Africa’s disproportionate burden of foodborne illnesses, which affects 91 million people and results in 137,000 deaths annually—one-third of the global mortality due to foodborne diseases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The economic toll of unsafe food is equally staggering, with the World Bank estimating losses of $110 billion annually in sub-Saharan Africa.
The historic decision was made during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on February 16, 2025. This landmark decision marks a significant advancement in the continent’s commitment to protecting consumer health, strengthening Africa’s food safety governance and facilitating trade in safe food products under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
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 the food safety coordination function of Regional Economic Communities (REC). 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 outgoing Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat emphasizes the transformative impact of the establishment of the Africa Food Safety Agency as a crucial milestone in Africa’s journey towards a more integrated and prosperous continent.
“With the Africa Food Safety Agency, we are taking a decisive step towards transforming our agri-food systems. It will not only help protect public health but will also boost intra-African trade by facilitating the harmonization of food safety standards and supporting our Member States in building robust food control systems” noted former Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, Amb. Josefa Sacko.
As Africa embarks on this transformative journey, the African Union calls on all stakeholders—including governments, development partners, and the private sector—to support the operationalization of the Africa Food Safety Agency which would ensure that safe food becomes a priority for all African citizens.
By Tandong Calistus Jong