The East African Community is leading the way on gum arabic standard setting

With the support of the European Union-funded Market Access Upgrade Programme Phase II (MARKUP II), which is implemented through the International Trade Centre (ITC), the East African Community (EAC) partner states under the technical committee (TC) on food additives has met in Juba, South Sudan, to develop regional standards for gum arabic. Uganda, as the host of the TC secretariat, guides the process of food additives standards development.

The meeting was hosted 23-27 February 2026 by South Sudan to commence the development of two EAC standards, with the aim of addressing trade challenges experienced in the gum arabic value chain. The two proposals under development include a standard for gum arabic, and a code of practice for harvesting, handling, processing and storage of gum arabic.

The technical session drew delegates from seven EAC partner states including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania , as well as representatives of the the ITC.  

Gum arabic is harvested commercially from two common species of Acacia sensu lato: Senegalia senegal, and Vachellia seyal, mostly in South Sudan, Sudan and throughout the Sahel, from Senegal to Somalia. The gum arabic trade has improved the economy and livelihood of farmers including marginalized groups such as youth and women, who contribute significantly particularly to harvesting and processing of gum arabic along the value chain. Its cultivation also plays a role in desertification control and soil health. The product is used as a food additive in food production and processing, with functional uses as a stabilizer, emulsifier, thickener and encapsulating agent.

The main objective of this meeting was to deliberate on technical specifications for gum arabic based on the recommendations on safety specifications for gum arabic made by the 51st meeting of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)The meeting also considered recommendations on good practices for harvesting, processing, storage and transportation of gum arabic with a view to ensuring  quality and safety, and compliance with international food standards. The EAC standardization efforts are also expected to contribute towards quality and safety awareness within the region.

These EAC regional standards are expected to be adopted for use by the end of 2026. The adoption will facilitate the future fair trade of high-quality gum arabic within the EAC region, Africa and the entire globe. The standards may also serve as a benchmark for the development and harmonization of African regional standards under the CCAFRICA region.

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Caption: Group photo of the EAC Partner States during the EASC/TC005, Food Additives harmonization meeting, Juba South Sudan