Sanitary and Phytosanitary Project for Africa

Overview

The Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Project for Africa is a comprehensive initiative aimed at bolstering institutional capacities, refining competencies, and advancing knowledge management within the domain of SPS systems across Africa. Operating at continental, regional, and national levels, the project is strategically designed to fortify SPS frameworks, thereby fostering safer trade practices and mitigating risks associated with agricultural and food products.

Implementing Partners
USDA

Key result areas

At its core, the project emphasizes four pivotal areas of focus:

  1. Institutional Capacities Policy Development and Coordination: Strengthening institutional capacities involves bolstering policy development and coordination mechanisms. This includes enhancing the ability of organizations at various levels (continental, regional, and national) to develop and coordinate policies related to SPS systems. Strengthening these capacities ensures more effective management and implementation of SPS measures across different jurisdictions.
  2. Harmonization and Monitoring of SPS Systems: The Programme aims to harmonize SPS systems across different regions and countries. Harmonization ensures consistency in standards and regulations, facilitating smoother trade relations and reducing barriers to market access. Additionally, the Programme focuses on enhancing monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance with SPS standards and regulations at all levels.
  3. Competencies for Design, Implementation, Enforcement, and Reporting of Science-Based SPS Measures Enhanced: Another key focus area is improving competencies related to the design, implementation, enforcement, and reporting of science-based SPS measures. This involves providing training and capacity-building initiatives to stakeholders involved in the SPS system, including policymakers, regulators, and industry professionals. By enhancing competencies in these areas, the Programme aims to ensure that SPS measures are based on sound scientific principles and effectively implemented to protect human, animal, and plant health while facilitating trade.
  4. Knowledge Management and Evidence-Based Advocacy: The Programme emphasizes the importance of knowledge management and evidence-based advocacy in promoting SPS objectives. This involves collecting, analyzing, and disseminating relevant information and data related to SPS systems, including best practices, lessons learned, and emerging trends. By leveraging knowledge management strategies, the Programme aims to facilitate evidence-based decision-making and advocacy efforts aimed at improving SPS systems and promoting their benefits to stakeholders.