Tsitsi Makombe

Every year, unsafe food takes a devastating toll on Africa’s people and economies. Foodborne illnesses and hazards cause an estimated 137,000 deaths and 91 million cases of acute illness annually across the continent, disproportionately affecting children under five. Yet despite these staggering numbers, investments in food safety systems remain inadequate, fragmented, and under-prioritised.

A Successful Case of Localization This blog post is part of a special monthly series entitled “Making a Difference,” documenting the impact of IFPRI's projects and initiatives. These stories reflect the wide breadth of the Institute's research, communications, and capacity-strengthening activities around the world, in fulfillment of its mission. The blog series has been peer-reviewed by IFPRI's Impact Committee members.

By Tsitsi Makombe On May 30, 2019, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement entered into force. To trigger its implementation, the agreement needed a minimum of 22 country ratifications. The AfCFTA aims to gradually eliminate tariff and non-tariff barriers, accelerate regional and continental integration, improve customs and trade facilitation, develop regional and continental value chains, foster investment and industrialization, and ultimately, boost intra-African trade.