In his statement at the closing event, Dr. Ernest Aubee, Board Member of ACAFP, described the theme of this year’s confab as quite apt and relevant in view of the fact that it came at a time when the African continent is grappling with the challenges of food and nutrition, security.
The African Union, regional Economic Communities, Development partners and our African states are working tirelessly to address the challenges of food safety on the continent in line with the sustainable Development goals, agenda 2063, Kampala Declaration 2025 and other regional policies such as ECOWAP 2025.
He observed that it is always in increasing production and productivity by our countries and that it is important for all countries to pay increased attention to food safety and quality.
According to him, food safety would ensure that countries reduce their health challenges and promote good health, attain Food and nutrition goals, make African agricultural products competitive in global trade and stimulate rapid economic growth.
The implementation of a robust food safety policy and programmes, he added, would have a multiplier effect on all facets of ‘our national economies.’
"From food and nutrition, security, health, tourism, trade, economic well being and employment, I challenge all conference participants to go back home and implement the best practices learnt on food safety from this conference in order to improve the living standards of people on the African continent. "
He called on them to serve as ambassadors and activists for food safety in their homes to the national level.
"The implementation of our continental and national food safety strategies would help our countries benefit from the opportunities provided by the Africa Continental Free Trade Area."
