Ghana: Africa Food Bank Conference showcases growth and cooperation

The Global FoodBanking Network (GFN) and its Ghanaian partner, Food for All Africa (FFAA), marked the culmination of the 2nd Africa Food Bank Conference, celebrating the expansion of a collaborative network of food banks across the continent.

Food banks from various parts of Africa convened in Accra to address shared opportunities and challenges while leveraging the knowledge and expertise of fellow peers.

“It is amazing to have the opportunity of bringing our colleagues in food banking across Africa here to Accra,” said Elijah Amoo Addo, Executive Director-Food for All Africa. “There are food banks that have been working for many years, like FoodFoward SA (South Africa), and others that are just starting like Zambian Food Bank, and together with the Global FoodBanking Network we are fostering the growth of foodbanks across Africa.”

The Global FoodBanking Network collaborates with 15 food banks across 13 African countries, eight of which have joined since 2023. Each food bank in the network operates locally, with GFN offering training, technical assistance, certification, and financial support.

“In many African countries, food banking is a new and not well-understood concept; and it’s our job to bring food bankers together,” said Anthony Kitchen, senior director of field services and knowledge-sharing at the Global FoodBanking Network. “Being in the same room as like-minded people who are having the same experiences in food banking builds a valuable sense of community and a shared purpose.”

The Africa Food Bank Conference was not confined to conference rooms. As part of the event, Food for All Africa led food bankers on field visits to some of their programmes around Accra.