Strengthening dialogue with African embassies on EU regulations: highlighting upcoming challenges for agri-food exports

As part of the AGRINFO programme, COLEAD organised a dynamic exchange with African embassies in Brussels on 17 March 2026 on key regulatory issues affecting the agri-food trade “Update on Key EU Regulations for African Agri-food Exports”.

AGRINFO aims to support low- and middle-income countries, in anticipating and preparing for all changes to EU rules.

The event, bringing together 12 African embassies, gave in-depth insights into policy areas such as pesticide residues, mineral oil hydrocarbons, the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, the EU Deforestation Regulation, packaging, and antimicrobials used in food-producing animals.

The participation, engagement, and positive feedback from attendees contributed to the success of the event and highlighted the relevance of this work for diplomatic stakeholders in Brussels.

In her opening remarks, the Ambassador of South Africa emphasised that engagement with COLEAD–AGRINFO experts was valuable in strengthening understanding of evolving EU trade and regulatory dynamics and their implications for African countries.

A similar event for French-speaking African countries is foreseen in April 2026 (date to be confirmed).

This activity is supported by the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, implemented by COLEAD within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union; and by the AGRINFO programme, implemented by COLEAD and funded by the European Union (EU). This publication receives financial support from the European Union and the OACPS. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or the OACPS.