The discussions divided into two teams comprising of seven countries each, undertook a review and evaluation of the PCE as well as capacity to manage plant health risks in their member states.

On the table for discussion was also Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) and sharing of updates on invasive species as well as laboratory diagnostic networking, both of which are key in ensuring successful plant health management in the continent.

Under the discussions, members shared whether phytosanitary capacity evaluation had been conducted in their respective member states, as well as what support they would require in order to conduct PCE.

Participants also shared knowledge on tools that can be employed to evaluate the capacity of the National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs). This included sharing of best practices in how others had made progress in both legislation and administrative aspects of their phytosanitary work, such as development of plant health manuals, plant health national strategies, establishment of laboratories and reviewing of pests list among others.

They also learnt from each other on what strategies have been used to strengthen collaboration with stakeholders at both national and international level, and the processes of reviewing legal and policy frameworks that materialized and produced results.

The deliberations continue for the rest of the week, with more in-depth and practical outlook on various aspects of plant health in Africa.

Members states taking place are Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Zambia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tchad and Tunisia.