What is CCAFRICA and why does it matter to the UK?

CCAFRICA is the FAO/WHO Codex regional committee for Africa. It helps align food safety standards and guidance across member countries. UK importers benefit when African suppliers use Codex-based rules, since the UK often references Codex in risk assessments. Alignment upstream can cut duplicate testing and reduce clearance delays at UK ports.

How could Banjul’s role affect AfCFTA trade flows?

By promoting consistent test methods, certificates, and limits, Banjul can reduce non-tariff frictions within AfCFTA. Smoother intra-African logistics stabilise plant utilisation and shipment schedules. That supports more reliable export flows to the UK, with fewer last minute holds tied to paperwork or sampling differences between neighbouring countries.

When might UK buyers see practical benefits?

Benefits depend on how quickly guidance, training, and lab accreditation roll out. Early gains may appear on commodities where methods are already close to Codex. Watch for mutual recognition notices and e-certification pilots. During transition, keep current audits, pre-shipment checks, and contingency routes until on-time clearance improves consistently.

Which products are likely to see the biggest impact?

High-volume categories with frequent testing and clear Codex benchmarks should move first. Think nuts, cocoa, fish, spices, and fresh produce. These rely on residue limits, microbiological criteria, and allergen control. If Banjul delivers aligned methods and recognised labs, UK buyers could see fewer rejections and steadier delivery windows in these lines.

Law and Government

February 3: Banjul Takes CCAFRICA Lead, Food Standards to Shape Trade

ByDanny Kontos February 3, 2026February 3, 2026

On 3 February, Banjul moved to the centre of Africa’s food governance as The Gambia assumed the CCAFRICA coordinator role. The plan targets harmonised food safety standards, capacity building, and a new national food and drug quality control lab. For UK investors and importers, fewer compliance frictions and faster clearances could reshape timelines and risk pricing across AfCFTA trade. We outline what this shift means, the execution tests to watch, and how it could influence supply chains into the UK.