The African Union has taken a historic step in direction of enhancing meals security throughout the continent with the adoption of the statute for the institution of the Africa Meals Security Company in the course of the thirty eighth Strange Session of the Meeting of Heads of State and Authorities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 16 February 2025. This landmark choice marks a major development within the continent’s dedication to defending client well being, strengthening Africa’s meals security governance and facilitating commerce in protected meals merchandise underneath the African Continental Free Commerce Space (AfCFTA).
The quickly to be established Africa Meals Security Company will function a Specialised Technical Establishment of the Africa Union, devoted to coordinating and harmonizing meals security insurance policies, laws, and threat evaluation frameworks throughout Member States. This transfer is in response to Africa’s disproportionate burden of foodborne diseases, which impacts 91 million individuals and ends in 137,000 deaths annually–one-third of the worldwide mortality on account of foodborne illnesses, in keeping with the World Well being Group (WHO). The financial toll of unsafe meals is equally staggering, with the World Financial institution estimating losses of $110 billion yearly in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia on account of misplaced productiveness and medical prices.
H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Fee, welcome the adoption of the Statute, emphasizing the transformative influence of the institution of the Africa Meals Security Company as an important milestone in Africa’s journey in direction of a extra built-in and affluent continent. This establishment will play a pivotal position in harmonizing meals security requirements throughout the continent, instantly supporting AfCFTA goals and advancing the targets of Agenda 2063.
“With the Africa Meals Security Company, we’re taking a decisive step in direction of remodeling our agri-food programs. It won’t solely assist shield public well being however can even enhance intra-African commerce by facilitating the harmonization of meals security requirements and supporting our Member States in constructing sturdy meals management programs.” famous H.E. Amb. Josefa Sacko, the outgoing Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Improvement, Blue Economic system and Sustainable Atmosphere.
The Company will set up a continental meals security knowledge hub and speedy alert system, offering important assist to Member States in managing meals security dangers and emergencies. It’ll additionally coordinate meals security initiatives on the continental degree whereas complementing and strengthening the meals security coordination perform of Regional Financial Communities.
Its institution is predicted to spice up the competitiveness of Africa’s meals and agricultural merchandise by guaranteeing compliance with worldwide meals security requirements. This shall be instrumental in unlocking new market alternatives, lowering commerce limitations, and enhancing client confidence in African meals merchandise.
The Africa Meals Security Company can even work carefully with AU Member States, Regional Financial Communities (RECs), the non-public sector, analysis establishments, the ACFTA Secretariat and worldwide companions to lift meals security ranges to safeguard public well being, scale back foodborne illness outbreaks, and guarantee sustainable meals manufacturing programs.
The African Union Fee has been tasked with fast-tracking the operationalization of the Africa Meals Security Company, together with putting in constructions and establishing frameworks working along with Member States and companions.
As Africa embarks on this transformative journey, the AU calls on all stakeholders–including governments, improvement companions, and the non-public sector–to assist the operationalization of the Africa Meals Security Company which might make sure that protected meals turns into a precedence for all African residents.
