Call for Abstracts for Oral & Poster Presentations
Deadline for the Submission of Abstracts
30 September 2025
3rd ACAFP Food Safety Conference for Africa
THEME: Enhancing Food Safety Systems for Improved Public Health, Trade Competitiveness and Economic Growth in Africa
25th – 27th November 2025
Nigeria
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS FOR ORAL & POSTER PRESENTATIONS
The third Food Safety Conference of the African Continental Association for Food Protection (ACAFP) will take place on 25th – 27th November 2025.
The Food Safety Conference will bring together food safety professionals and practitioners from industry, government, international organizations, research and academia as well as all individuals and organisations interested in protecting the food produced, distributed and consumed in and outside Africa. The conference will help to create awareness, engagement, and collaborations among different stakeholders and will showcase the common, yet diverse, food safety challenges and solutions in Africa, as well as those between sub-regions and countries.
To this end, the Organizing Committee of the ACAFP FOOD SAFETY CONFERENCE announces the call for submission of abstracts of original research and non-research papers for both oral and poster presentations. The abstracts must relate to the subthemes of the Conference indicated below:
Conference Theme and Sub-Themes
Background
Africans suffer the highest burden of foodborne diseases worldwide with an estimated 137,000 deaths and over 91 million illnesses annually. This has huge ramifications on Africa’s economy with estimated losses of $16 billion in annual productivity. Therefore, food safety is a big public health and economic concern in Africa. Food safety is a responsibility for all, and it has a great impact on social wellbeing of the people and economic development of Africa. In this context, the ACAFP in collaboration with the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) and Partners are co-hosting a Food Safety Conference. This overarching theme recognizes the fundamental role of robust food safety systems in achieving significant developmental milestones across the African continent. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of public health protection, the ability of African nations to compete effectively in regional and global trade, and the overall sustainable growth of their economies. Strengthening food safety is not merely a regulatory requirement but a crucial investment in the well-being of populations, the credibility of African products, and the long-term prosperity of the continent. The conference aims to be a platform for in-depth discussions on systemic weaknesses within current food safety frameworks and the exploration of innovative, context-specific solutions. It calls for collaborative efforts among researchers, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and consumers to build a future where food is not only accessible but also safe for all Africans, thereby unlocking the full potential of the agricultural and trade sectors and fostering a healthier and more economically vibrant Africa.
The main theme of the Conference is “Enhancing Food Safety Systems for Improved Public Health, Trade Competitiveness and Economic Growth in Africa” The conference will comprise technical and poster presentations and round table discussions on the theme and subthemes listed below.
Sub-Themes
- Trade, Market Access and Food Safety Standards
- Food Safety as a Public Health Imperative
- Food Safety Systems and Nutrition
- Climate Change, Environmental Hazards and Food Safety
- Gender and Workforce Development in Food Safety
- Consumer Education, Awareness and Food Safety Culture
- Economics of Food Safety
Description of Subthemes
Subtheme 1: Trade, Market Access and Food Safety Standards
This subtheme delves into the critical nexus between food safety standards and the ability of African nations to participate effectively in both regional and international trade. It acknowledges that varying and often inadequate food safety standards can act as significant barriers to market access, hindering economic growth and limiting opportunities for African producers. Potential areas of focus include the analysis of existing food safety regulations across different African countries and regions, the challenges and opportunities associated with the harmonization of these standards, and the role of international food safety bodies and agreements. Furthermore, this subtheme will explore the effectiveness of current regulatory frameworks and certification systems in ensuring the safety and quality of food products for both domestic consumption and export. A key area of discussion will be the implications of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for food safety, including how it can be leveraged to promote the adoption of higher food safety standards and enhance the competitiveness of African food products in the global marketplace. Submissions are encouraged to present research on best practices in standard setting, innovative approaches to certification and traceability, and policy recommendations for creating a conducive environment for safe and competitive food trade within Africa and beyond.
Subtheme 2: Food Safety as a Public Health Imperative
This subtheme underscores the undeniable link between the safety of the food supply and the health and well-being of the African population. It highlights the significant burden of food-borne diseases (FBDs) on public health systems, including morbidity, mortality, and economic losses due to healthcare costs and reduced productivity. Research under this subtheme should focus on quantifying the impact of FBDs in different African contexts, identifying key food-borne hazards and their sources, and evaluating the effectiveness of current surveillance and response systems. It also calls for exploration of risk assessment methodologies and their application in the African context to prioritize food safety interventions. Furthermore, this subtheme seeks to examine the integration of food safety considerations into broader public health strategies and policies, including the role of health education, sanitation, and hygiene practices. Submissions are encouraged to present evidence-based research on the epidemiology of FBDs, innovative surveillance techniques, effective risk management strategies, and policy recommendations for strengthening the integration of food safety into public health systems to protect the health of African communities.
Subtheme 3: Food Safety Systems and Nutrition
This subtheme explores the intricate relationship between ensuring food safety and achieving optimal nutritional outcomes and food security across Africa. It recognizes that food can be both a source of nourishment and a vehicle for harmful contaminants, thereby impacting nutritional quality and overall health. Papers under this subtheme should investigate how food safety practices throughout the value chain, from production to consumption, can influence the nutritional content and safety of food. Topics of interest include the impact of unsafe food handling and processing on nutrient retention, the risks of contamination in fortified foods, and the intersection of food safety and malnutrition, particularly in vulnerable populations. Furthermore, this subtheme invites research on strategies to promote safe food handling practices at the household and community levels to enhance nutritional security. Submissions are encouraged to explore innovative approaches to integrating food safety and nutrition interventions, assessing the nutritional risks associated with food-borne hazards, and developing policies and programs that simultaneously address food safety and nutritional needs in the African context.
Subtheme 4: Climate Change, Environmental Hazards and Food Safety
This subtheme addresses the growing and complex challenges posed by climate change and various environmental hazards to the safety of the African food supply. It acknowledges that changing weather patterns, including increased temperatures, altered rainfall, and extreme events, can exacerbate existing food safety risks and introduce new ones. Research under this subtheme should investigate the impacts of climate change on the prevalence of food-borne pathogens, the emergence of new hazards due to environmental changes such as pollution, land degradation, and water scarcity, and the potential for increased contamination of food crops and livestock. Contributions may also focus on mitigation and adaptation strategies to build climate-resilient food safety systems in Africa. This includes exploring innovative technologies and practices for safe food production and handling in the face of environmental challenges, as well as policy recommendations for addressing the interconnectedness of climate change, environmental health and food safety. Submissions are encouraged to present research on emerging food safety hazards linked to climate change, the vulnerability of food systems to environmental stressors, and sustainable solutions for ensuring food safety in a changing climate.
Subtheme 5: Gender and Workforce Development in Food Safety
This subtheme highlights the crucial role of inclusive workforce development and gender equity in building effective and sustainable food safety systems across Africa. It recognizes that women play significant roles in various aspects of the food system, from production and processing to marketing and consumption, yet their contributions and specific needs are often overlooked in food safety initiatives. Relevant papers may explore the diverse roles of women in the food value chain and the gender-specific challenges and opportunities related to food safety. This subtheme also calls for research on capacity building and education programs in food safety, ensuring equitable access for both men and women. Furthermore, it aims to address issues of leadership and representation in food safety governance and decision-making bodies. Submissions are encouraged to present research on the impact of gender on food safety practices, strategies for promoting gender-sensitive food safety interventions, the importance of inclusive workforce development in strengthening food safety systems, and policy recommendations for achieving gender equity in the food safety sector in Africa.
Subtheme 6: Consumer Education, Awareness and Food Safety Culture
This subtheme focuses on the critical importance of fostering a strong food safety culture among consumers and all stakeholders in the food system. It recognizes that consumer awareness and understanding of food safety risks and practices are essential for preventing food-borne illnesses and promoting demand for safer food. Submissions should explore effective strategies for behavioural change communication to promote safe food handling practices at the household level. This includes research on risk communication strategies to inform consumers about potential hazards and empower them to make safe food choices. The subtheme also invites discussions on the role of consumer protection policies in ensuring the right to safe food and holding food businesses accountable. Furthermore, it will explore the role of civil society organizations, media, and educational institutions in raising food safety awareness and fostering a culture of food safety. Submissions are encouraged to present innovative approaches to consumer education, evaluate the effectiveness of different communication strategies, and propose policy interventions to strengthen consumer protection and promote a proactive food safety culture in Africa.
Subtheme 7: Economics of Food Safety
This subtheme calls for rigorous economic analyses of food safety interventions and their broader implications for African economies. It recognizes that investments in food safety can yield significant economic benefits, including reduced healthcare costs associated with food-borne illnesses, increased productivity due to a healthier workforce, and enhanced market access leading to greater trade revenues. Topics of interest include cost-benefit analyses of various food safety interventions, such as the implementation of new regulations, the adoption of improved technologies, and investments in infrastructure. This subtheme also seeks to quantify the economic losses resulting from food-borne illnesses, including direct costs (healthcare, medication) and indirect costs (lost productivity, business disruptions). Furthermore, it invites research on the return on investment in food safety infrastructure, such as laboratories and inspection systems, and the economic impacts of food safety standards on different actors in the food value chain. Submissions are encouraged to present economic models and empirical studies that demonstrate the economic rationale for investing in food safety, assess the economic burden of unsafe food, and provide evidence-based recommendations for prioritizing food safety investments to maximize economic returns and contribute to sustainable economic growth in Africa.
Guidelines for the Submission of Abstracts
Each abstract should contain the names of author(s), organizational affiliation and email address of each author and whether the authors prefer power point or poster presentation.
The following information should be provided:
- Title of the abstract (max. 20 words) should clearly summarize the topic of the abstract.
- Key words or phrases (max. 5).
- Main text of abstract (max. 300 words).
Please send abstract to this email: abstracts@acafoodprotection.org
Timelines
| Activity | Deadline |
| Announcement of Call for Abstracts | 14th April, 2025 |
| Deadline for the Submission of Abstracts | 30 September 2025 |
| Notification of acceptance of Abstracts | Continuous |
| Deadline for submission of full paper | 10th October, 2025 |
| Presentation of Paper at the Conference | 25th – 27th November, 2025 |