AFRICA – The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), in partnership with the FS4Africa project co-funded by the European Union, has launched the Africa Food Safety Operators Network, a digital platform designed to consolidate food safety data across African markets.
Foodborne illnesses continue to affect millions across Africa each year. Roughly 91 million people experience foodborne diseases annually, resulting in an estimated 137,000 deaths, while placing significant strain on healthcare systems and economies.
Experts highlight that harmonized, accessible data is critical to addressing these risks and supporting safe trade practices.
Pilots in key African countries
The network is being piloted in Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. It brings together structured information on regulations, standards, and practices across both formal and informal food sectors.
The platform enables food system operators, regulators, and development partners to access verified data, exchange insights, and integrate digital solutions aimed at enhancing consumer protection and supporting safe cross-border trade.
FS4Africa coordinators note that the network complements the project’s digital initiatives by converting research and field data into actionable tools for food safety management across African value chains.
Insights from policy and research stakeholders
During the launch, AUDA-NEPAD’s Director of Agriculture, Food Security, and Environmental Sustainability, Madame Estherine Fotabong, discussed regional coordination’s role in harmonizing food safety measures across member states.
Dr. Mark Bagabe, former Rwandan Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, highlighted food safety’s dual importance for public health and trade.
Dr. Titilayo Falade from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture outlined FS4Africa’s alignment with African Union priorities and global food security objectives.
Technical presentations from Dr. Dorra Fiani of the Knowledge Economy Foundation demonstrated the network’s application in facilitating intra-African trade, while Dr. Hans-Joerg Lutzeyer of the European Commission described research and innovation’s role in reinforcing food safety systems.
Representatives from pilot countries including Dr. Hussein Mansour (Egypt), Mr. Roderick Daddey-Adjei (Ghana), Dr. Brenda Obura (Kenya), and Mr. John Atanda (Nigeria), shared national perspectives on collaboration between regulators, researchers, and industry actors.
Strengthening data-informed food safety
As it develops, the Africa Food Safety Operators Network is expected to serve as a central hub for evidence-based decision-making.
By providing harmonized, verified data, it aims to support consumer protection, empower small and informal food businesses, and enable safer trade across borders. The initiative contributes to building resilient food safety systems that support public health and sustainable economic development across Africa.
The network is part of the FS4Africa project, a four-year Horizon EU initiative focused on improving African food safety systems with particular attention to the informal sector. FS4Africa works to transform local markets, enhance food security, promote regional trade, and reduce negative impacts on the environment, biodiversity, health, and society.