A new project funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) aims to improve food safety standards of small-to-medium food processing businesses in the Sahel’s Burkina Faso, Niger and Senegal so that they can better participate in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The magnitude of the public health burden due to foodborne diseases is comparable to that of malaria or HIV AIDS, but most foodborne disease is preventable with proper food handling and education.

Safe food allows for the uptake of nutrients, promotes long-term human development and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Safe food production also improves economic opportunities by enabling market access and productivity.

The EUR 1 million project will specifically target agribusinesses owned by women and young people to improve their competitiveness in cross-border and regional trade.