In Africa, food safety goes far beyond hygiene—it is a matter of survival and well-being. Millions are exposed daily to foodborne illnesses caused by microbes, pesticide residues, and adulterants. According to the World Health Organization, foodborne hazards cause 137,000 deaths and 91 million illnesses annually. The World Bank estimates food safety related issues cost around $110 billion annually in lost productivity and healthcare expenses. Several studies across African countries have shown high contamination rates from major pathogens and mycotoxins in both raw and ready-to-eat foods. These hazards are especially acute in informal markets, requiring a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach that brings together governments, researchers, private sector actors, and communities to strengthen food safety systems from farm to fork.

Food Safety for Africa Project & Knowledge Platform

The EU-funded Food Safety for Africa (FS4Africa) project focuses on weak channels for value chain organisation, traceability, and authentication of safe food. FS4Africa addresses mycotoxin contamination, pesticide residues, microbial contamination, and food adulteration. The objective is to improve food safety systems, especially in the informal sector, while enhancing food security and trade and minimising impacts on the environment, biodiversity, health, and society. At its core lies the AI-enabled Food Safety for Africa Knowledge Platform, supported by Ubuntoo AI, launched in Beta on World Food Safety Day 2024, with a full launch set for 2025.

What Type of Knowledge Powers the Platform?

The most vital pillar at the core of the FS4Africa Knowledge Platform is Knowledge itself. Addition of knowledge onto the platform is done with the help of a two-pronged approach: Open-Access, Published & Scientific Knowledge, and Practical Grey Knowledge.

Open-access published knowledge is added by an expert team of curators from partner organisations within the consortium. These curators bring diverse expertise across disciplines such as social sciences, economics, life sciences, business, and environmental studies. Research Analysts from Ubuntoo also use AI tools to gather and organise African food safety-related information by scanning over 1 billion articles and blogs from CGSpace, Microsoft Academic, PubMed, CrossRef, and the Media. As of May 2025, 80% of the knowledge comes from academic sources.

Practical, ground-level tacit knowledge is shared through interviews and video presentations by professionals across the food safety value chain. This unique knowledge provides insight into real-world challenges and emerging solutions. This approach also enables mapping of regional leaders, frameworks, and grey literature.

Ubuntoo AI (Harnessing Collective Intelligence for Food Safety in Africa)

Ubuntoo AI turns the FS4Africa knowledge platform from a static database into an interactive learning assistant. With this Q&A tool, the platform members can ask any questions related to Food Safety in Africa. Based on the question received, the tool then scans the curated database to provide:
• Instant, contextual and reliable answers
• Recommended content from the curated Food Safety library
• Reliable insights supported by academic and practical sources
• Answers in multiple languages based on the specified language by the user asking

There is more to the platform than just knowledge

While knowledge is the cornerstone, the platform is also home to three additional categories of content:

• Solutions: From tech-based innovations, start-ups, academic pilot projects, toolkits, actionable best practices to Food Safety NGOs & organisations, the platform highlights scalable models and technologies that enhance food safety.
• News: Weekly updated feed of media articles and updates related to food safety developments in Africa.
• Events: Listings of relevant conferences, webinars, symposiums, and workshops to keep members connected to the evolving food safety landscape.

Each of these contents is also supported & recommended by curators of the platform. Each content piece, whether it is a solution, news, knowledge or event, is presented through a dedicated profile on the platform. These profiles provide a brief description of the content, making it easy for the platform members to understand its context and value.

The FS4Africa Knowledge Platform is designed for a diverse ecosystem of food safety stakeholders. Common members include: Food Safety Professionals, Field Practitioners, Researchers, Scientists, Consultants, Government Officials, Industry Professionals, Consumer Health Experts, Students, Scholars, Farmers & Agro Processors. As of April 2025, there are 285 members on the platform.

How consistent is the growth of content on the platform?

Since its inception, the FS4Africa Knowledge Platform has shown steady and consistent growth of content. Its content is updated every week and is tracked monthly. This growth is not just in numbers but in impact. As more professionals discover the platform, the diversity and depth of content continue to expand, turning it into an evolving library and learning hub for Food Safety in Africa.

What are some of the other unique features in the platform?

• Knowledge Categorisation: To ensure users can easily navigate the library of content, the platform uses a structured categorisation system. Content is tagged based on multiple criteria including crop type, region, knowledge source, knowledge type, contaminant type, technology category, and value chain segment.
• Newsletters: The platform delivers regular newsletters to members, offering curated food safety updates from across Africa. These newsletters are signed and reviewed by Food Safety Experts in the consortium and highlight challenges, best practices, new content, and event highlights—serving as a communication bridge with the member community.

The FS4Africa Knowledge Platform supports informed decision-making, connects professionals, and bridges the gap between science, policy, and practice. It provides access to knowledge, solutions, and best practices, helping improve food safety systems, especially in the informal sector. Free and open to all, anyone interested in food safety can join and contribute to building a safer and more sustainable food future for Africa.

Read full detailed article by Ubuntoo about the FS4Africa Knowledge Platform.