High-level advocacy event strengthens Africa’s commitment to food safety and Codex participation

by the CCP of The Gambia

On the margins of the 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49), The Gambia, in its capacity as Coordinator of the FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for Africa (CCAFRICA), convened a High-Level Advocacy and Consultation Meeting with African Heads of Mission and senior diplomatic representatives accredited to Geneva. The event was organized in collaboration with the Codex Secretariat, the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), and the Embassy of The Gambia in Geneva.

The meeting brought together Ambassadors, representatives of African Permanent Missions, the Chairperson of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the Codex Secretariat, AU-IBAR, National Codex Contact Points, and African delegates attending CAC49 to strengthen political support for food safety and enhance Africa’s participation in Codex work.

Discussions highlighted the strategic importance of Codex standards in protecting consumer health, facilitating fair international food trade, strengthening national food control systems, and supporting Africa’s agricultural transformation and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Participants emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between National Codex Contact Points, Ministries of Foreign Affairs, and African diplomatic missions to ensure coordinated African positions and greater influence in international food standard-setting.

The consultation also promoted the implementation of the CCAFRICA Strategic Implementation Plan (2026-2031), calling for increased investment in scientific capacity, digital innovation, and stronger national Codex structures. Participants encouraged Member States to move beyond participation towards leadership by contributing scientific evidence, hosting Codex committees, and actively shaping international food standards.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to institutionalizing regular dialogue between CCAFRICA and African Missions in Geneva and Rome, strengthening communication between technical authorities and diplomatic representatives, and mobilizing sustained political and financial support for Africa’s engagement in Codex. The consultation marked an important milestone in advancing Africa’s collective leadership in international food standards and reaffirmed the continent’s commitment to safe food, fair trade, and sustainable development.

Read more

Dowanload the complete report of the event in English and French