The report focused on Africa, a critical market where Nestlé holds a market share exceeding 50% and where annual Cerelac sales surpass USD 250 million.

With the assistance of various civil society organisations in Africa, Public Eye collected and analysed nearly a hundred Cerelac products sold in 20 countries on the continent. Analysis conducted by Inovalys, a specialised agri-food laboratory, found that more than 90% of the products contained added sugar, often in high quantities.

The findings show that Cerelac products sold in Africa contain significantly more sugar than those sold elsewhere:

In contrast, in Switzerland, where Nestlé is headquartered, the main baby cereal brand contains zero added sugar. Similarly, in key European markets such as Germany and the United Kingdom, all Cerelac products targeted at babies six months and older have no added sugar.

Experts and advocates warn that the practice carries serious public health consequences on a continent where obesity is rapidly increasing. 

In 2019, 24% of the world's overweight children under the age of five lived in Africa. 

Previously thought to be a problem in high-income countries, overweight is becoming more common in low- and middle-income countries; in Africa, the number of overweight children under the age of five has increased by nearly 12.1% since 2000.

WHO has long cautioned that early exposure to sugar can create a lasting preference for sugary products, serving as a major risk factor for overweight and obesity. 

The report also highlighted a lack of transparency, noting that for about two-thirds of the analysed products, the amount of added sugar was not disclosed in the nutritional information on the packaging, which critics argue “undermines consumer rights and public health”.

While Nestlé promotes Cerelac as being fortified with vitamins and minerals to "help fight malnutrition".

Nestlé maintained that it has a "consistent approach to nutrition for all babies everywhere" when contacted by Public Eye. The company asserted that it fully complies with national legislations and that its internal guidelines set an added sugar threshold well below that stipulated by the international standard of the UN Codex Alimentarius Commission.

Nestlé also stated that it declares sugar content transparently according to local regulatory requirements: “We do not mislead consumers.”

Nestlé further stated that it has accelerated the global rollout of Cerelac with no added sugar, including in Africa, and aims to introduce variants with no added sugars to all markets where it operates by the end of 2025.

Civil society organisations from Africa are calling on the multinational to immediately comply with the WHO guidelines. In an open letter, 20 organisations across countries, including Nigeria, South Africa, Cameroon, and Tunisia, demanded that the food giant immediately stop adding sugar to its baby foods.

Chiso Ndujkwe-Okafor, Executive Director of the Nigerian Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF), whose country is the largest market for Cerelac in Africa, called on Nestlé to “align with WHO guidelines”.

Advocacy groups warned Nestlé, stating, “All babies have an equal right to healthy nutrition—regardless of their nationality or skin colour. All babies are equal. So do the right thing. The world is watching.” 

A previous 2024 petition signed by 105,000 people was delivered to the company, but Nestlé has reportedly been “turning a deaf ear” to the appeal.

On the contrary, Diet Coke and plain Evian water contain zero sugar.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that both adults and children keep free sugar intake below 10% of total daily energy, and ideally under 5% for added health benefits.

For an average adult, that’s no more than 50g (about 12 teaspoons or 14 sugar cubes) per day, ideally closer to 25g (6 cubes).

The infographic shows that just one drink can meet or exceed this limit. A McDonald’s milkshake alone (56g) surpasses even the WHO’s “better‑health” threshold. Many common beverages deliver a day's worth of free sugar in one sitting.

Health risks linked to excess sugar

Studies show that consuming more free sugars correlates with increased risk of overweight, obesity, and dental caries (tooth decay). Keeping intake below 10% of energy is a strong recommendation.

Reducing further to under 5%, though supported by less strong evidence, is conditionally recommended for even greater benefit

To counter this hidden sugar epidemic, Healthy Schools Cambridgeshire and Peterborough delivers educational programmes in schools.

Through initiatives like Healthy You, Food Smart, and Healthy You , Healthy Me, the organisation provides lesson packs, interactive workshops, parent engagement, and teacher training, all aimed at improving nutrition literacy and helping young people make informed beverage choices.

“A new chapter is being written in Ghana. At Dangote, we don't see a factory. We see a lever for autonomy, employment , and the transformation of our continent,” Dangote wrote.

According to Dangote, the agro-industrial complex will feature: 12,000 tons of cane crushed per day; 25,000 hectares of irrigated land; Production of sugar, molasses, and ethanol

He added that the land has been secured, permits obtained, and the project is now advancing with strong government support.

Speaking on the government’s role, financial analyst Courage Zoiku told Forbes Africa that “the government must invest in road access,” because “once production begins, there will be not just the central farm but also hundreds of out-growers around the area. Without reliable transport infrastructure, neither raw cane nor refined sugar can reach markets like Accra efficiently.”

The project is expected to create thousands of jobs and contribute to food security, rural development, and economic independence in the country.

The Japanese team, composed of Masanori Hata (chocolate candidate), Yuji Matoba (sugar candidate), and Ryu Miyazaki (ice cream candidate), impressed the judges with their innovative and intricate creations.

The competition featured a new and challenging event called the "Chocolate Show," where participants had to create 26 sweet creations based on Valrhona chocolate, inspired by the street food trend. This event highlighted the candidates' ability to think outside the box and present their work dynamically and engagingly.

France and Malaysia completed the podium, winning the silver and bronze medals, respectively. The competition also saw Belgium receiving a special eco-responsible prize for their adherence to sustainable practices.

Pierre Hermé, President of the Pastry World Cup, praised the high level of artistry and innovation displayed by all the teams. He noted that the competition continues to be a magnificent demonstration of pastry know-how and the spirit of surpassing oneself.

Tanzania has enacted new regulations to stabilise the sugar market, including giving exclusive import and distribution rights to the National Food Reserve Agency and empowering the Sugar Board of Tanzania to control import licenses. According to ChiniMandi , the government aims to increase domestic sugar production to meet demand and reduce the need for costly imports. However, experts advocate for policies to attract more competitive sugar producers and promote domestic production.

Uranium production in Tanzania

Moab Minerals has acquired an 89.6% stake in Linx Resources, giving them ownership of the Manyoni and Octavo Uranium Projects in Tanzania. The company plans to conduct extensive drilling and metallurgical testing to improve the reliability of historical assays and explore extensions of the known mineralisation. The acquisition is considered transformational for Moab Minerals due to the access to a large volume of historic exploration data, reports Mining Technology .

Tanzanian artist who burnt president's picture freed

Tanzanian artist Shadrack Chaula was released from prison after social media users raised over $2,000 to pay his fine for burning a picture of President Samia Suluhu Hassan while insulting her. Critics argued that he did not break any law and that the sentence was too harsh. The case has sparked concerns about freedom of expression in Tanzania as highlighted by the BBC .

Restarting ex-General Tyre East Africa factory

The Tanzanian government is seeking outside investment to re-start the former General Tyre East Africa factory in Arusha, northern Tanzania. In June, the Tanzanian government invited prospective investors to explore opportunities in the country. Concurrently, a pre-bid conference was arranged for the 19th of July, as per I&ATyrepress .

Iran's scientific capabilities showcased

Iran showcased its scientific capabilities at the Tanzania International Trade Fair. Iranian companies were present at the exhibition to introduce their capabilities to Tanzanian companies. Iran has taken measures to facilitate trade relations, including lifting visas for Tanzanian tourists and exchanging delegations. There is hope for increased cooperation in various fields, including knowledge-based products, oil, and tourism, reports IRNA .

Tourism in Zimbabwe is projected to gain momentum throughout 2024, continuing the upward trend that began in the post-pandemic period of 2022-2023. Although a significant rise is anticipated in 2024, it's expected that tourist numbers will return to the pre-pandemic heights of 2019 by 2025. Looking ahead from 2025 to 2028, the tourism sector is forecasted to experience sustained growth, supported by the diversification of Zimbabwe's principal source markets and the country's extensive selection of attractions and tourism activities, BMI reports.

Zimbabwe kickstarts steel production

Tsingshan Holding Group, a Chinese manufacturing giant, has initiated operations at its steel production facility in Zimbabwe, valued at $1 billion, as reported by Reuters. The plant, managed by Tsingshan's affiliate, Dinson Iron and Steel Company, is set to manufacture 600,000 metric tons of carbon steel annually in its initial phase. Plans include ramping up production to 1.2 million metric tons and eventually reaching 5 million metric tons in subsequent phases, according to Energy Capital and Power . “We have started to produce pig iron, which is a raw material used for the production of steel. By July, that’s when we will start to produce the actual carbon steel,” stated project director Wilfred Motsi.

Fake doctors arrested

The government of Zimbabwe has issued a caution regarding a rise in the number of unqualified medical practitioners, a situation that presents a grave risk to the health and safety of the public. It has come to light that, since the previous year, 44 individuals posing as doctors and instructors have been apprehended at the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. On Monday, June 24, the Health Professions Authority Zimbabwe (HPAZ), which is responsible for safeguarding public health, alerted the nation to the growing issue of fraudulent medical professionals, as chronicled by the Chronicle . “The rise of individuals posing as qualified medical professionals, despite lacking the necessary credentials and expertise, poses serious threats to public health and safety. As part of its mandate, the Authority seeks to uphold and promote high standards for the healthcare delivery system in Zimbabwe through the coordination of the eight health professions councils and health care institutions in an ethical, efficient and professional manner,” read the statement.

Call to protect sugar factory

Darlington Chiwa, the Member of Parliament for Chiredzi West, has urged the government to enact measures safeguarding the sugar sector, emphasising its role in fostering sustainable progress and economic expansion in Zimbabwe, as per News Day . His remarks followed a press visit to the sugar estates and processing facilities of Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe in the Lowveld region. The company manages two major operations in the area: Hippo Valley and Triangle.

Iran ties

The foundation of the relationship between Zimbabwe and Iran is strong, having been established and nurtured over the years through joint economic efforts. Therefore, the untimely demise of Iran's former President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian is not expected to hinder their ongoing partnership. Zimbabwe's Ambassador to Iran, Bright Kupemba, confirmed this during a recent interview with Iranian media in Tehran. Ambassador Kupemba's statement aligns with that of his Iranian counterpart, Ambassador Abbas Navazani, who also emphasised that the anticipated surge in economic ties between the two nations will remain unaffected by President Raisi's tragic death in a helicopter accident, reports The Herald .