From 7 to 9 April 2025, the historic city of Salzburg hosted the 15th edition of the World Mycotoxin Forum®, a globally respected platform where science, innovation, and policy converge to address one of the most enduring threats to the global food and feed supply: mycotoxins. This year’s theme, “Building a resilient food system in the digital decade”, created fertile ground for FS4Africa to spotlight Africa’s unique food safety challenges—and its vision for solutions that are as inclusive as they are effective.

Redefining innovation in food safety

At the forum, FS4Africa was proudly represented by two of its partners: the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), serving as the project’s coordinating partner from Nigeria, and the Netherlands-based innovation company, Ubuntoo. Their participation highlighted the importance of cross-continental cooperation and the value of diverse expertise in tackling food safety challenges, particularly within Africa’s dynamic and often informal food systems.

Peter Schelstraete of Ubuntoo took the stage to present on the theme “Harnessing collective intelligence (AI × human expertise) for food safety in Africa”. His discussion focused on how the intersection of artificial intelligence and human insight can drive forward-thinking, scalable solutions to improve food safety standards on the continent. By showcasing the Food Safety Knowledge Platform, he underlined the transformative role of digital tools when paired with contextual understanding and local knowledge.

Dr. Titilayo Falade of IITA delivered a compelling presentation titled “Food Safety for Africa project, addressing food safety challenges in the African informal sector”. Her remarks delved into the core objective of FS4Africa: to strengthen food safety frameworks by addressing the often-overlooked realities of informal markets, which serve as vital food sources for a large portion of the population. Through research, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy, the project seeks to create inclusive and resilient food systems capable of withstanding biological risks and environmental pressures.

FS4Africa and UP-RISE joined forces

The forum also served as the backdrop for a significant collaboration on food safety. FS4Africa formalised a strategic partnership with the UP-RISE Project through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement marks a decisive step toward a more integrated approach to tackling food safety issues across the African continent.

The MoU reflects a shared commitment to foster synergies between the two EU-funded initiatives. It aims to strengthen cooperation in areas such as capacity building, knowledge exchange, and policy alignment across formal and informal food systems. Furthermore, FS4Africa will now become part of the UP-RISE Accelerator Platform, an initiative that co-creates practical solutions with stakeholders across five African Union Member States. This platform not only amplifies the reach of both projects but also reinforces their role in promoting regulatory innovation and supporting local markets in managing risks such as mycotoxin contamination et foodborne pathogens.

Toward a safer, more sustainable future

FS4Africa’s presence at the World Mycotoxin Forum exemplifies the project’s dedication to fostering inclusive, data-informed, and collaborative food safety practices. By bridging the gap between innovation and local realities, FS4Africa is not only contributing to Africa’s food safety landscape but also shaping a global dialogue on resilience and sustainability in food systems.

The event underscored the power of collective action—whether through AI-human collaboration, intercontinental partnerships, or multistakeholder engagement—in creating food systems that are both safe and equitable. As global attention continues to shift toward resilience and innovation, FS4Africa remains at the forefront of efforts to ensure that Africa’s food future is secure, inclusive, and sustainably nourished.