Africa Speaks with One Voice on Food Safety during 17th Pan-African Codex Contact Points Meeting

Nairobi, Kenya | 6–8 October 2025

1. Introduction

The AU-IBAR hosted the 17th Pan-African National Codex Contact Point Officers Meeting, which brought together Codex Contact Point Officers, regulators, and food safety experts from 35 African Union Member States, as well as international and regional partners such as the FAO, WHO, ILRI, IITA, IAEA, CABI, AFOSAN, and others. The meeting provided an important venue for Africa's collective perspectives to be harmonised ahead of the Codex Alimentarius Commission's 48th Session, reaffirming the continent's ambition to evolve from standard-taker to standard-setter in global food safety governance.

2. Context 

Foodborne infections are responsible for an estimated 90 million illnesses and $16 billion in annual productivity losses throughout Africa. Strengthening regulatory institutions and harmonising food safety standards are thus critical to accomplishing Agenda 2063, increasing intra-African trade under the AfCFTA, and promoting public health and economic resilience. 
Dr. Huyam Salih, Director of AU-IBAR, opened the meeting, emphasising that "Africa must feed its people safely before looking elsewhere. Safe food systems are more than a trade need; they are a right for all African consumers." She emphasised AU-IBAR's recent accomplishments, which included:

• Training over 35 regulators on risk-based border management;
• Supporting 30 Member States in food safety surveillance and risk assessment;
• Developing Africa’s first Guidelines for Informal Food Sector Engagement in partnership with ILRI; and
• Strengthening laboratory networks through collaboration with the IAEA and AFOSAN.

These initiatives demonstrate AU-IBAR’s leadership in transforming food systems through evidence-based standards, cross-sectoral coordination, and continental cooperation.

In his address, Dr. Allan Azegele, Chairperson of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, reaffirmed that the Codex system remains the global benchmark for safeguarding consumer health and ensuring fair practices in the food trade. He noted that Africa’s growing participation in Codex processes reflects the continent’s increasing influence in shaping international standards. Dr. Azegele emphasised that regional consultations such as the 17th Codex Contact Points Meeting are essential for harmonising national positions and ensuring Africa’s perspectives are strongly represented in global deliberations. He urged Member States to continue strengthening the clarity and credibility of Codex standards, ensuring they remain science-based, inclusive, and responsive to emerging global challenges. “Africa’s Codex Contact Points,” he stated, “are the link between the grassroots and the global—the voices that transform national experience into global evidence.” He concluded by encouraging delegates to sustain Africa’s unified approach, noting that by speaking with one voice, the continent can move from being a follower to a leader in setting standards that protect public health and expand fair trade opportunities for its people.

Echoing these sentiments, Mr. Hakim Mufumbiro, Regional Coordinator for CCAFRICA, highlighted the pivotal role of national Codex Contact Points in translating regional strategies into country-level action. He commended Uganda’s leadership as the outgoing coordinator and welcomed The Gambia as the incoming one, underscoring that the transition symbolises continuity, renewal, and Africa’s collective commitment to progress. Mr. Mufumbiro observed that Africa is ahead of other regions in implementing the Codex Strategic Plan, particularly through active Expert Working Groups such as Africa25, which have fostered coordination and knowledge sharing. He emphasised that the strength of Africa’s Codex network lies in collaboration, encouraging delegates to continue exchanging ideas, building partnerships, and maintaining the momentum necessary for a coherent, evidence-based African voice in Codex discussions. “Codex participation is not symbolic—it is strategic,” he concluded. “Every contribution we make has the potential to transform food safety and trade outcomes across the continent.”

3. Strategic Deliberations and Progress

Several presentations were made among, which included:

3.1. Codex Strategic Plan 2026–2031

Delegates examined Africa's inputs to the Codex Strategic Plan 2026-2031, focussing on accomplishments that corresponded with four strategic goals: 
1. Protecting consumer health through science-based standards; 

2. Enhancing participation and collaboration. 

3. Improving relationships and governance. 

4. Maximising Codex impact and visibility. 

Zambia, as head of the Africa Codex Implementation Plan's Electronic Working Group (EWG), detailed key outcomes and progress. The EWG, established in Kampala in early 2025 and co-chaired by Kenya, the Gambia, Morocco, and Senegal, is working on procedures for harmonised standard adoption, capacity building, and monitoring.
 
The Gambia and Uganda jointly developed a transitional roadmap for the CCAFRICA coordination function, which included mentorship and knowledge transfer channels to maintain continuity and institutional memory.

3.2. Integrating the Food Safety Strategy for Africa

Deliberations were guided by the Food Safety Strategy for Africa (FSSA), which advocates for domestication and alignment with Codex operations. Zambia fostered conversations about incorporating FSSA aims into national Codex systems, such as establishing a regional network of analytical laboratories and standardising monitoring procedures. 
Participants observed that Africa's leadership in implementing the Codex Strategic Plan establishes the region as a paradigm for other continents.
 

4. Partner Presentations: From Science to Action

4.1. FAO: Strengthening Science-Based Systems

FAO discussed its ongoing work on Food Control System Assessments (FCSA) and related capacity-building initiatives. These assessments, conducted in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Senegal, and Niger, help identify system deficiencies and inform national risk-based food management initiatives. 

The FAO emphasised that effective food safety governance is dependent on cross-sectoral institutional coordination, financial investment, and the constant use of scientific evidence in decision-making.

4.2. CABI: Managing Pesticide Residues and Building Capacity

CABI reported on its efforts to improve pesticide residue management, enhance integrated pest management (IPM), and promote good agricultural practices to reduce contamination in food chains. Its interventions link agricultural productivity to food safety and trade competitiveness, allowing smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth, to meet Codex standards. 

CABI requested that African Member States invest in research, extension services, and data systems for monitoring chemical residues and mycotoxins, as well as increase regional collaboration on compliance and certification.

4.3. ILRI and AU-IBAR: Engaging the Informal Food Sector

ILRI, in collaboration with AU-IBAR, presented the Guidelines for Informal Food Sector Engagement, a significant initiative aimed at integrating Africa's informal markets into national food safety systems.
 
The principles are based on three pillars: Recognise, Engage, and Invest, which advocate for legal recognition of informal merchants, participatory governance, and inclusive investment.
Member States, such as The Gambia and Kenya, emphasised the importance of the guidelines in strengthening risk communication and traceability in local markets, while also advocating for precise monitoring and coordinating structures to maintain their long-term viability.

5. Country Experiences and Leadership Transitions

The Gambia, in its new role as CCAFRICA Coordinator, highlighted the importance of mentorship, youth inclusion, and leadership renewal in Codex procedures, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining Africa's unified voice. 

Zambia discussed progress on Codex domestication under the AfCFTA framework, emphasising the need for Member States to actively participate in surveys and contribute data to represent Africa's implementation efforts.

Both countries emphasised the importance of regional collaboration, peer learning, and investing in leadership ability to ensure Codex deliberations remain effective.
 

6. Key Recommendations

The discussion closed with tangible ideas for maintaining momentum: 
• Domestication and Harmonisation: Conduct legal assessments, raise awareness, and organise peer exchange programs.
• Align Codex priorities with AU frameworks like Agenda 2063 and the FSSA. 
• Foster mentorship and leadership opportunities for emerging specialists, including women and youth. 
• Foster sustainable financing by mobilising domestic and partner resources to assist national Codex committees and laboratory infrastructure. 
• Increase collaboration with FAO, WHO, CABI, IFC, and the corporate sector to foster innovation and data exchange.
 

7. Closing Reflections: The Power of Process

Dr Huyam Salih, Director of AU-IBAR, was represented by Mr John Oppong-Otoo, Coordinator of AU-IBAR's Economics, Trade, and Marketing Unit, who thanked delegates for their dedication and emphasised the importance of Africa's strategic participation in setting global food safety standards. Food safety is more than just a public health concern; it also drives trade, livelihoods, and resiliency.
He emphasised that Africa's Codex process is just as important as its conclusions, illustrating how inclusive discourse, science, and cooperation can lead to revolutionary outcomes. 

In its first statement as coordinator, Gambia committed to building on Uganda's leadership by increasing collaboration and inclusivity. At the same time, Uganda and Zambia reiterated their commitment to shared leadership and accountability.
 

8. Outlook

The 17th Codex Contact Points Meeting yielded several benefits in strengthening Africa's food safety governance. 
• Consolidated Africa's technical perspectives for Codex 48, promoting evidence-based engagement.
• Enhanced continental coordination by linking Codex processes to AU policy frameworks. 
• Validated inclusive methods, such as the Informal Food Sector Guidelines, that connect policy and community practice. 
Most importantly, it demonstrated how process-driven collaboration, including deliberation, mentorship, and partnership, can form a resilient and united Africa in the global standard-setting process. 
As Africa prepares for Codex 48 in Rome, the Nairobi 2025 results confirm a shared commitment to a safer, healthier, and more competitive continent, with one voice, one standard, and one common goal: Safe Food for Every African.