Strengthening Food Safety Standards for Improved Competitiveness of Small and Medium Enterprises in The Sahel - GCP/SFW/004/AFB
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Food safety issues pose an ongoing challenge to the health and well-being of many populations. It is essential for the growth of developing economies, as they become more deeply integrated into regional and global markets and as cross-border food trade increases. In this context, Africa continues to bear the brunt of the high economic costs associated with foodborne illnesses and productivity losses. The widespread lack of quality control due to capacity gaps and ineffective food control systems has led to increased production of staple foods that fall short of international market standards. In the Sahel, rural small and medium enterprises (SMEs) provide income and employment opportunities to millions of people.The project provided significant support to SMEs in the three target countries. Notably, it enhanced their competitiveness in the AfCFTA market by improving compliance, supporting women and young entrepreneurs, and enhancing laboratory capacity to ensure safer food production. Support provided through the project comprised training on good manufacturing practices (GMP), regulatory requirements for food safety, and market access for local products. The project also implemented a major innovation in the hygienic preservation and transport of meat and yoghurt by introducing hybrid solar-powered cold chain technologies, including refrigerated tricycles, solar freezers, and cold storage containers. These were adapted to the specific conditions of the three participating countries, and met cold chain requirements.