Experts call for stronger partnerships to strengthen food safety in Africa

Experts have called for stronger collaboration between governments, regulators, researchers and the private sector to strengthen food safety systems across Africa, warning that coordinated action is essential to protect consumers, improve standards and build a more resilient food future.

Speaking at ScientiFRIKA 2026, Scholastica Bello, director, department of Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS), National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), emphasized the importance of collaboration in strengthening food safety systems across Africa.

“Food safety is a collective responsibility, and stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors are essential to improving standards, protecting consumers, and building a safer food future for all,” Bello said.

Eva Edwards, director of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, NAFDAC, emphasised the importance of food safety education and stakeholder awareness in protecting public health and ensuring safer food systems.

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“Food safety is everyone’s business. Strengthening awareness, education, and collaboration across the public and private sectors is essential to safeguarding consumers and improving food standards in Nigeria,” Edwards said.

The event brought together researchers, laboratory professionals, policymakers, manufacturers, and industry leaders in Lagos to explore emerging innovations, strengthen collaborations, and address key challenges shaping the future of science, laboratory excellence, and food safety across Africa.

Peter Adefisoye, acting director-general of the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology, stated that human capacity development remains critical to achieving accurate and reliable laboratory results.

“Investment in people is just as important as investment in equipment. Without skilled professionals, even the most modern laboratories cannot deliver reliable results,” Adefisoye said.

He also commended the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology for fostering collaboration among stakeholders and stressed the need for stronger inter-agency cooperation to tackle counterfeit and expired products, protect public health, and strengthen laboratory regulations.

Speaking on the vision behind scientiFRIKA, Patricia Osazuwa, event director of scientiFRIKA said the continent possesses the talent and creativity needed to compete globally but requires stronger support systems.

“Africa has the talent, intelligence, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit needed to compete and lead globally. What we need is a stronger ecosystem, greater investment and better platforms that connect ideas with opportunities,” Osazuwa said.