Egypt's National Food Safety Authority (NFSA) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have signed a cooperation protocol to enhance food safety control and trade between the two nations. The agreement, signed by NFSA Head Tarek El Houby and FDA Director General Christian Ntomba, aims to strengthen coordination in areas such as conformity assessment procedures, mutual recognition of regulatory performance, and ensuring equivalent implementation of food safety controls. The protocol also promotes joint training programs, collaboration on scientific studies and research, and regular seminars and conferences to exchange knowledge and expertise. Furthermore, the agreement covers cooperation in risk assessment, inspection, testing, and detection of food contaminants, in line with international regulations. It also supports utilizing services provided by both parties to exporters and importers and studying local markets to identify consumer needs and boost trade between the two countries. A joint technical committee comprising experts from both sides will oversee the implementation of the protocol and meet regularly to discuss progress and address any challenges. The signing ceremony was attended in person by the DRC Ambassador to Egypt, Kasongo Musinga, and virtually by the Egyptian Ambassador to the DRC, Hesham Abdel Salam. This agreement aligns with the NFSA's plans to conclude several cooperation agreements with African counterparts, aiming to achieve integration and consistency in food safety policies and regulatory systems across the continent. This initiative follows the outcomes of the High-Level Forum of African Food Safety Authorities, organized by the NFSA in October 2023.
