ECOWAS And UNICEF Advance Child Nutrition Through Regional Food Standards Validation

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, in collaboration with UNICEF, convened a high-level meeting of the Technical Committee for the Harmonisation of Food Standards (THC 2) from 22nd to 24th October 2025 in Cotonou, Benin. The meeting, jointly coordinated by ECOWAS’ Industry Directorate and Agriculture and Rural Development Directorate, focused on validating draft regional standards for complementary foods targeting infants and young children aged 6 to 36 months.

The gathering brought together key stakeholders from across the region, including representatives of national standardisation bodies, ministries of agriculture, health, trade, and industry, as well as nutrition experts, professional associations, and technical and financial partners.

The primary goal was to endorse harmonised standards that ensure the quality, safety, and nutritional adequacy of complementary foods produced and distributed within the ECOWAS region. These standards are expected to enhance child nutrition, promote local agri-food production, and boost the competitiveness of regional businesses.

During the opening ceremony, Mr Koissi Midaye, Senior Programme Officer for Quality and Standards, speaking on behalf of Mr Kalilou Sylla, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, underscored the importance of harmonised standards in safeguarding consumer health, encouraging local manufacturing, and facilitating regional trade.

Mr Simeon Nanama, Regional Advisor on Nutrition and Child Development at UNICEF’s West and Central Africa Office, commended ECOWAS’s leadership and reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Member States in delivering nutritious and balanced diets for children.

Representing Benin’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Ms Shadiya Alimatou Assouman, Dr Mouhamed Nazif Moutawakilou El-Hadji Alassane emphasized the initiative’s relevance to public health and the growth of local agri-food sectors. He urged committee members to carefully review the draft standards and reach consensus on measures that prioritize the well-being of infants and young children across the region.

This meeting marks a significant milestone in the rollout of ECOWAS’ regional policy on nutrition and food security. Once validated, the standards will reinforce consumer trust, foster innovation, and provide stronger protection for vulnerable populations—especially children.