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Chenai Museta

GOVERNMENT is collaborating with regional and international organisations to upgrade its sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) systems to safeguard human, animal and plant health in the country as dictated by current global benchmarks.

The African Union Commission (AUC) is currently hosting a workshop in Lusaka, Zambia in an effort to develop a robust communication strategy for the SPS Programme in Africa. The Policy Framework aims to address challenges related to SPS coordination mechanisms and actively implement related activities and initiatives to improve the SPS measures that are crucial to facilitating intra-regional trade on the continent.

SPS measures are critical for preventing the spread of diseases, pests and contaminants while promoting safe trade in agricultural products. They align with continental commitments such as the African Union Agenda 2063 and the CAADP Framework, which promote agricultural transformation to improve livelihoods.

Despite these efforts, the implementation of the AU SPS Policy Framework remains slow, with low awareness at national and regional levels hindering effective SPS domestication. This has resulted in foodborne diseases, pest invasions, reduced productivity, and loss of market access.

Senior advisor for Sanitary and Phytosanitary Systems at the AUC, Mr Chiluba Mwape, emphasised the importance of raising awareness about SPS initiatives.

“National SPS systems are important in preventing the spread of diseases and pests and ensuring food safety and security by safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring ecosystem health,” he explained.

He added that enhanced communication and support for SPS measures were essential for achieving the Malabo Declaration, which aims to triple intra-African trade in agricultural commodities and eliminate hunger by 2025.

Chief director in the Department of Research and Specialist Services under the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Dr Dumisani Kutywayo, underscored the relevance of the meeting for Zimbabwe.

“We have our Ministry working hand in hand with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce on SPS issues, as they relate to the facilitation of trade, which is pivotal to Zimbabwe. The implementation of these policies is becoming an important precondition for access to global food markets”, he said.

Dr Kutywayo further noted that Zimbabwe had an SPS committee that brings together different stakeholders to respond to these issues through capacity building and awareness initiatives.

“The committee is interactive with other jurisdictions, addressing critical issues of plant health through phytosanitary measures and animal health. The communication strategy team representing us in Zambia will help us domesticate and have our own communicative strategy within the country and we are looking forward to implementing and disseminating these policies to the relevant stakeholders,” he added.

By fostering better communication and collaboration among stakeholders, Zimbabwe can work towards achieving its agricultural goals and reinforcing its position in regional and global markets. The successful implementation of SPS measures will be vital in addressing food security challenges and promoting sustainable agricultural practices across the continent.

The workshop aims to develop a robust communications strategy for the SPS Programme in Africa, outlining clear guidelines for advocacy and awareness creation among key audiences. Participants include representatives from the AU Commission, AUDA-NEPAD, AfCFTA, AU-IBAR, regional economic communities (RECs), member states, media, and partner organisations.