By Baboloki Semele: A crucial four day workshop (24-27 September 2024) aimed at crafting a comprehensive and strategic communications framework for the African Union (AU) Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Programme is currently underway in Lusaka, Zambia. This initiative is geared towards formulating effective methods for conveying key messages, enhancing advocacy, and raising awareness on SPS measures among various stakeholders.
The workshop, held in Zambia’s capital, Lusaka, brings together experts and participants from across the continent. Its objective is to refine communication efforts that will address challenges within the SPS systems, ultimately supporting food security, health, and economic prosperity for all Africans.
In his opening remarks, Chiluba Mwape, the AU Senior Advisor on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Systems, representing Dr. Godfrey Bahiigwa, Director of the African Union Commission’s (AUC) Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, emphasized the necessity of a unified and modern SPS system that aligns with the goals of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).
“The SPS Programme is pivotal to Africa’s agricultural transformation, contributing to the achievement of the Malabo Declaration and the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” Mwape noted.
The workshop highlights the importance of enhancing the cooperation and transparency needed to develop and implement SPS measures that meet international standards without becoming obstacles to trade. This is especially important as Africa seeks to triple intra-African trade in agricultural commodities by 2025, in line with the Malabo Declaration, and reduce hunger and poverty across the continent.
SPS Systems: Challenges and Progress
Despite the significant strides made in implementing SPS measures across African nations, challenges remain. Mwape acknowledged that many member states still struggle to meet international SPS standards, owing to limited resources, weak institutional structures, and inadequate infrastructure.
“SPS systems play a critical role in protecting human, animal, and plant health while ensuring food safety. However, we face significant obstacles, such as insufficient data and outdated technologies. To tackle these issues, we must adopt data-driven, evidence-based decision-making in SPS governance,” Mwape urged.
The SPS Programme for Africa seeks to address these challenges through a multifaceted approach that includes enhancing surveillance, monitoring, research, and the development of new technologies that can predict and respond to threats, including foodborne illnesses, animal diseases, and pest invasions.
Strengthening Communication for SPS Awareness
The workshop also underscored the need for effective communication to support the implementation of SPS measures. Peace Mutuwa, Knowledge Management and Communication Officer for the AUC, emphasized that SPS measures must be promoted to facilitate trade while safeguarding health. “The low level of awareness on SPS frameworks at both national and regional levels has led to foodborne diseases, pest outbreaks, reduced productivity, and losses in market access,” she stated.
Mutuwa highlighted that a well-coordinated communication strategy would create the necessary awareness around SPS measures, fostering compliance and support among stakeholders. This will also be crucial in ensuring Africa’s ability to access both global and high-value domestic markets.
Bob Okello, a Communications Consultant, added that strategic communication on SPS measures is essential to achieving the goals set forth by the Malabo Declaration and the AfCFTA. “Effective communication ensures that stakeholders understand the value of SPS measures in boosting trade and protecting public health, which is key to meeting continental targets like tripling intra-African trade by 2025,” Okello remarked.
Towards a Comprehensive SPS Communication Strategy
At the core of the Lusaka workshop is the development of a robust communication strategy for the AU SPS Programme. This strategy aims to enhance outreach, visibility, advocacy, and resource mobilization efforts. It will also strengthen engagement with stakeholders at the national, regional, and continental levels, promoting collaboration on the implementation and monitoring of SPS measures.
Participants at the workshop, drawn from various AU bodies such as AUDA-NEPAD, AfCFTA, and the AU Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), regional Economic bodies, member states and the media will review a draft communication strategy and develop an action plan to ensure its successful rollout.
The outcome of this workshop will be a validated SPS communication strategy, which will serve as a critical tool in advancing Africa’s trade, agriculture, and health sectors while ensuring compliance with SPS regulations across the continent.