AFRICA SET TO BENEFIT FROM GLOBAL FOOD WASTE REDUCTION SUCCESS

By Admin | EcoNews, By Ecomedia Limited | November 10, 2025

A new global report by the Food Pact Network, led by WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme), has revealed that coordinated international efforts have successfully prevented over 220,000 tonnes of food waste and cut approximately 680,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. The findings demonstrate that structured partnerships, policy alignment, and consistent public engagement can deliver real progress in addressing the global climate challenge.

This milestone is particularly relevant for Africa, a continent that sits at the heart of the global food chain as both a major producer and an emerging market for sustainable agriculture. Despite its vast potential, Africa still loses between 30% and 40% of its food annually due to poor storage facilities, weak transport systems, limited cold-chain infrastructure, and inefficient market structures. These losses translate into wasted energy, water, and labour all of which intensify the impact of climate change.

The WRAP-led initiative proves that tackling food waste is one of the most effective, immediate ways to lower global emissions. Each tonne of food saved means less pressure on ecosystems and a direct reduction in methane emissions from decomposing organic waste. For Africa, this represents an opportunity to strengthen food security, enhance trade competitiveness, and reinforce climate resilience.

Experts and environmental advocates argue that Africa’s integration into the Global Food Pact model could reshape how the continent manages its agricultural resources. Governments are encouraged to embed food waste reduction targets into national climate policies and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. This would create pathways for measurable climate action while attracting green investment and innovation.

In addition, investment in infrastructure and technology remains central. Expanding renewable-powered cold storage, upgrading transport systems, and improving data collection across food value chains could significantly curb post-harvest losses. Private sector participation — including agritech start-ups and food recovery enterprises can further accelerate progress, ensuring that surplus food is redirected to markets and communities instead of going to waste.

Beyond economics, the social impact of cutting food waste in Africa is enormous. It means more food for families, better nutrition, and a reduced burden on natural resources. It also opens doors for youth innovation, entrepreneurship, and green job creation, all of which align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and global sustainable development goals.

The Food Pact Network’s approach uniting more than 900 organisations across 10 national campaigns offers a working model for collaboration that Africa can adapt regionally. The continent’s role in the global food system must now evolve from supplier to solution leader, demonstrating how sustainability and production can go hand in hand.

Media platforms such as EcoNews by Ecomedia Limited continue to amplify these critical stories — turning complex environmental issues into relatable narratives that inspire awareness, accountability, and action. By reporting on such progress, EcoNews contributes to bridging the communication gap between policy, innovation, and people. While 783 million people suffer from hunger, according to the UN data, a significant amount of food is wasted every day. This not only hurts people, but also on the environment.

As global food waste reduction efforts expand, Africa’s participation will be key to achieving the balance between environmental protection and food equity. Reducing food loss is not only about saving meals — it is about saving resources, cutting emissions, and securing a liveable climate for future generations.

EcoNews | By Ecomedia Limited
Informing, Educating, and Activating Climate Action | For People, For Planet, For Prosperity.