King Letsie III Leads High-Level Event on Nutrition as Africa Calls for Catalytic Financing

His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho, in his capacity as the African Union and African Leaders for Nutrition (ALN) Champion, led a High-Level Side Event titled “Nutrition as the Smartest Investment”. The meeting marked a renewed African call for catalytic financing to drive sustainable nutrition outcomes across the continent.

The event forms part of a broader global effort linking outcomes from the United Nations General Assembly and the G7, collectively serving as a platform to strengthen advocacy for nutrition as a central pillar of development. By uniting African voices and global partners, the gathering underscored the urgent need for bold financial commitments and integrated strategies to tackle malnutrition in all its forms.

The session was co-hosted by the African Union Commission, represented by Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development H.E. Ambassador Amma Twum-Amoah, the African Development Bank Group President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, and Nutrition International President and CEO Mr. Joel Spicer. Together, these leaders emphasized that nutrition investment is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity.

King Letsie III highlighted that Africa’s progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals depends heavily on prioritizing nutrition. He urged governments and development partners to channel financing toward interventions that deliver measurable results, especially for women, children, and vulnerable communities. “Investing in nutrition yields the highest returns in human capital and economic growth,” he stated.

Dr. Ould Tah reaffirmed the African Development Bank’s commitment to strengthening food systems through its Feed Africa strategy, noting that nutrition is fundamental to inclusive growth and resilience. Ambassador Twum-Amoah emphasized that the African Union is working with member states to integrate nutrition financing into national development plans. Mr. Spicer of Nutrition International called for greater collaboration between governments, the private sector, and civil society to expand funding for proven nutrition interventions.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to mobilize catalytic financing that will scale up effective nutrition programs across Africa. Stakeholders agreed that increasing investment in nutrition remains one of the most cost-effective ways to drive economic development, reduce inequality, and enhance human potential.

This event reaffirmed Africa’s leadership in framing nutrition as a strategic investment rather than a social cost, setting the stage for stronger global partnerships and sustained funding for the continent’s nutrition agenda.