On May 31, close to 70 food producers, retailers, industry experts and policy makers gathered at a workshop in Addis Ababa, the first awareness event on modern food safety management systems in the country. The co-organized event focused on business opportunities for local companies and best global practices in food safety management. Participants and speakers emphasized the importance of better food safety practices, presented current and emerging trends on food safety, and discussed lessons learned on business case on better food safety.

“In Ethiopia, better agribusiness practices can help boost revenues, reduce costs, manage risks and open new markets for farmers and entrepreneurs in the food industry,” Sarah Ockman, IFC’s Global Food Safety Advisory lead. “IFC’s work in Ethiopia builds on our experience in other countries around the globe where we helped local players grow and create new opportunities.” 

The event was part of IFC’s efforts to help the region’s agribusinesses fulfill its potential, creating jobs and growth. 

IFC Global Food Safety Advisory Platform supports agribusiness and retail clients in all food industry sectors to increase competitiveness. The program has helped attract more than $290 million of investment in over 150 IFC clients in globally, generating $230 million in increased sales, in addition to greater efficiency, cost savings, and brand value, and improved waste and risk management, according to the IFC.

Under this platform, the Africa Food Safety Project, funded by the government of Japan, aims to facilitate the upgrading of food safety management systems of local companies to improve their efficiency and competitiveness. Project activities range from engagements with IFC clients to training local consultants and raising awareness on food safety to the private sector.