In a statement on the COVID-19 pandemic, the Secretary General of the ACP Group of States, H.E. Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, announced a collaboration with the European Union to mobilise an additional €25 million for the ongoing ACP Programme to Strengthen Health Systems for Universal Health Coverage in ACP States. The programme is funded by the 11th European Development Fund, with the World Health Organization as the main implementing agency. The ACP Group of States is particularly concerned by the… +

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, officials in Africa are now resigned to delaying the launch of what is set to become the world’s largest free-trade bloc, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) (see Politico, 24 March). Trade talks aimed at launching the bloc on 1 July are now on hold. However, the intention is still for the AfCFTA to launch this year, with the hope that talks could resume by the end of May. The pandemic is predicted to… +

The COMESA Business Council has published a Business Insider Special Edition, “Business Insights of the COVID-19 Virus”. At the international level, a snapshot of trade disruptions between the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and its key trading partners due to COVID-19 describes a significant drop in international trade (imports and exports) due to logistical and control measures put in place by export destinations. Kenya’s cut flower exports are singled out as a key example, with the Kenya… +

SOUTH AFRICA Exports of fruit (apples and pears) by sea to Europe have not so far been affected by COVID-19: the United Kingdom has increased imports of these products from South Africa to 177%. However, schools have been closed, companies have reorganised by developing teleworking, port warehouses are applying new rules, and South African ports have implemented measures to digitise shipping documents. Containment of the population was decreed on 26 March. BURKINA FASO There are no more regular flights between… +

Restrictions by country Business Insider is continually updating its LIST OF COUNTRIES’ COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS – it reports that currently one-third of the global population is on coronavirus lockdown Global mapping There are a number of global resources mapping the spread of COVID-19, including the World Health Organization’s SITUATION DASHBOARD Johns Hopkins University’s CORONAVIRUS RESOURCE CENTER In ACP countries Africa World Health Organization NEWS and regional dashboard: COVID-19 IN THE WHO AFRICAN REGION The African Union’s Centres for Disease Control and… +

There is no evidence that food is a likely source or route of transmission of the virus. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), experience from previous outbreaks of related coronaviruses (e.g. SARS and MERS) has shown that transmission through food consumption did not occur, and there is no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 is different. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) explains that the virus is transmitted from person to person mainly through droplets that… +

The highest guarantees of food safety are a key element for governments’ emergency planning. The World Health Organization (WHO) has published precautionary recommendations on good hygiene practices in food handling and preparation, such as washing hands, and on how to avoid potential cross-contamination. More information can be found on the WHO website. COLEACP’s advice to all operators in the fresh produce sector is to maintain and strengthen their customary strict food safety and hygiene procedures at all stages. Operators should… +

International logistics continues to be affected by port closures and congestion in China, which has led to localised shortages in the availability of refrigerated shipping containers. In addition, containers not being unloaded for days or even weeks has led to a 30–50% increase in the cost of reefer containers. This is the case for imports of summer and stone fruits from the southern hemisphere (about 20,000 tons of cherries from Chile, as well as other products from Peru and Argentina).… +

European governments and the private sector will do their utmost to continue to ensure the delivery of food, but at least initially, exotic fruits may not be among the products most in demand. Because restaurants are closed, consumers are looking to stock more food, so there is high demand, particularly for basic fruit and vegetables, especially as people look for healthy foods with a high vitamin C content to bolster their health. There is also expected to be higher demand… +

The EU guidelines set out the principles of an integrated approach to effective border management to protect health while preserving the integrity of the internal market. Regarding transport of goods and services, the EU guidelines state that control measures should not undermine the continuity of economic activity and should preserve the operation of supply chains, particularly relating to essential goods such as food supplies. Professional travel to ensure transport of goods and services should be enabled, including the facilitation of… +