Supporting Food and Trade Systems in the African Agricultural Sector
The Kick-Off Meeting for the FCI4Africa project took place from December 9 to 11, 2024, in Ibadan, Nigeria, marking a pivotal milestone in advancing sustainable, fair, and healthy food systems across Africa.
Launched on November 1st, 2024, FCI4Africa aims to address the challenges posed by non-tariff measures (NTMs) that hinder access to regional and international markets for Africa’s agri-food products. By focusing on climate-neutral practices, deforestation-free, organic, and fair-trade certification criteria, the project seeks to empower African farmers, processors, and traders to expand opportunities and foster economic prosperity and social justice both within the continent and in trade with the European Union (EU).
The project also emphasises on:
- Harmonising trade systems to enable free and fair trade.
- Promoting digitisation in food systems to improve trade compliance and transparency while enhancing food safety.
- Encouraging knowledge development through open science and digital platforms.
Coordinated by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), FCI4Africa brings together a consortium of 14 partners from 7 countries, showcasing the project’s international scope and collaborative spirit.
The successful Kick-Off Meeting laid the groundwork for implementation, enabling partners to align on project objectives, define roles and responsibilities, and identify challenges while fostering teamwork across work packages.
As the project progresses, FCI4Africa will build on previous and ongoing EU initiatives, leveraging expertise and establishing partnerships to deliver impactful solutions for sustainable food systems in Africa.
“Sustainability, fairness, and justness are becoming essential requirements for agri-food products, not only under the EU’s renewed trade policies but also within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” said Shiferaw Feleke, the Coordinator of the FCI4Africa project. “Non-tariff measures (NTMs) remain a significant challenge for Africa’s agri-food sector, limiting access to both regional and global markets. Through technical innovations and policy interventions, FCI4Africa aims to empower stakeholders to meet certification criteria, unlocking new opportunities for African products.”
“The FCI4Africa Kick-off Meeting was a vital step forward,” the Coordinator remarked. “It brought consortium partners together, aligning our vision, fostering collaboration, and developing a clear plan of action. We addressed roles, responsibilities, and anticipated challenges, setting the stage for impactful project implementation.”
Looking ahead, he emphasised the project’s long-term aspirations:
“Meeting the sustainability, fairness, and justness requirements for food systems requires collective effort and long-term commitment. I hope this project inspires broader collaboration, ensuring Africa secures a fair share of the global market. I envision a future where Africa thrives with a sustainable, climate-neutral, and just food system.”
The FCI4Africa project represents a significant advancement in establishing sustainable food systems and fostering equitable trade in the African agricultural sector. By addressing key barriers and promoting innovative solutions, the project aims to create lasting benefits for stakeholders across the agri-food value chain.
Source of photos: IITA
Disclaimer
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
