ECOWAS Moves to Standardize Fortified Foods Across West Africa.
By Raymond Enoch
In a decisive step toward combating malnutrition in West Africa, the ECOWAS Technical Committee for Standards Management (TMC) convened in Praia, Cape Verde, on July 28–29, 2025, to examine and adopt revised regional standards for fortified foods.
The two-day session focused on critical staples such as iodized salt, vegetable oils, and wheat flour—essential components in the region’s battle against micronutrient deficiencies. The initiative, backed by UNICEF, aligns with the Common Industrial Policy (PICAO) and the ECOSHAM framework, both aimed at harmonizing quality and safety standards across the ECOWAS region.
In addition to reviewing standards, the committee approved a reorganization of several sector-specific technical groups to improve efficiency and implementation.
Speaking at the event, Lassané Kaboré, ECOWAS Director of Industry, underscored the move’s broader impact: “These fortified food standards are not only vital for public health—they’re fundamental to strengthening our regional economy.”
UNICEF, a strategic partner in the initiative, reaffirmed its dedication to advancing child nutrition, with food fortification as a central pillar of its strategy.
The meeting was widely regarded as a landmark moment in the region’s public health agenda, paving the way for more consistent access to nutritious, fortified foods for millions across West Africa.
