AU-IFRC High-Level Convening Calls for Urgent Action and Sustained Investment to End Hunger and Malnutrition in Africa

Africa must strengthen its response to hunger and malnutrition through stronger political leadership, sustainable financing and inclusive partnerships, His Majesty King Letsie III of the Kingdom of Lesotho has urged. Speaking at the High-Level Convening on “Advancing Durable Solutions Towards Zero Hunger in Africa,” His Majesty highlighted the devastating human and economic consequences of malnutrition and called for a fundamental shift from short-term emergency responses towards long-term, sustainable solutions. The meeting took place on 3 November 2026 at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. As the African Union Champion for Nutrition and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Champion for Food Security, His Majesty emphasised that ending hunger must become a central priority in Africa’s development agenda. He stressed that the continent’s economic future depends on protecting the health, nutrition and productive potential of its people, particularly children and vulnerable communities.

The high-level engagement was organised by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the IFRC in collaboration with the Kingdom of Lesotho. It brought together ambassadors, government representatives, development finance institutions, humanitarian organisations, philanthropic foundations, private sector representatives and development partners. The gathering provided an important opportunity to examine the underlying causes of persistent hunger and malnutrition across Africa. Participants also explored African-led initiatives and practical approaches to improving food and nutrition security through coordinated action. The discussions reinforced the need for governments and development partners to move beyond isolated interventions and invest in comprehensive food systems that can withstand economic pressures, climate change and humanitarian emergencies.

Malnutrition remains one of Africa’s most serious public health and development challenges, affecting millions of people and limiting the continent’s ability to achieve sustainable economic growth. Figures presented during the convening indicated that approximately 309 million Africans experienced hunger in 2025, representing one in five people on the continent. The 2026 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World Report also indicated that an estimated two-thirds of Africa’s population could not afford a healthy diet. These figures demonstrate that food insecurity involves more than the availability of food because millions of households also struggle to access nutritious and affordable meals. The situation highlights the need for stronger policies that address poverty, food prices, agricultural productivity and unequal access to essential resources.

The impact of malnutrition is particularly severe among children under the age of five. Estimates from the UNICEF, World Health Organization and World Bank Joint Child Malnutrition Estimates indicate that approximately 62 million children under five in sub-Saharan Africa were affected by stunting in 2024. An estimated 11.7 million children across Africa experienced wasting, including approximately 2.7 million affected by severe wasting. These conditions can have serious consequences for children’s survival, physical development and long-term well-being. Stunting results from prolonged nutritional deprivation and repeated infections, which can restrict physical growth and affect brain development, learning capacity and future opportunities. Wasting involves dangerously low weight relative to height and can weaken a child’s immune system, increasing the risk of severe illness and death, particularly when the condition becomes severe.

The consequences of childhood malnutrition extend far beyond individual health challenges. Children who experience prolonged nutritional deprivation may face difficulties with learning, concentration and educational achievement. These challenges can affect their ability to acquire skills and participate productively in the economy later in life. Malnutrition also increases pressure on healthcare systems because affected individuals may require additional medical attention and nutritional support. At the household level, families can experience increased financial difficulties when they must manage illness, food insecurity and reduced opportunities to earn an income. These effects can continue across generations, creating a cycle of poverty and poor nutrition that becomes difficult to break without sustained intervention.

The economic cost of malnutrition is equally concerning for African countries seeking to strengthen their economies and improve living standards. The African Union has estimated that malnutrition costs African economies approximately US$153 billion annually through lost productivity and economic growth. This figure highlights the financial consequences of failing to invest adequately in nutrition and food security. When children do not receive sufficient nutrients during critical stages of development, countries risk losing future generations of healthy and productive workers. Malnutrition also places additional demands on public healthcare resources and reduces the capacity of individuals and communities to contribute fully to economic activities. The discussions in Addis Ababa therefore reinforced the importance of treating nutrition as an investment in human capital, economic development and social justice rather than viewing it only as a health or humanitarian concern.

In his keynote address, His Majesty King Letsie III called on African leaders to transform the continent’s approach to hunger and malnutrition. He urged governments and partners to move away from repeatedly responding to food emergencies and instead address the underlying conditions that make communities vulnerable to hunger. His Majesty emphasised that sustainable progress requires strong African political leadership, national ownership and coordinated implementation. He identified the transformation of agricultural and food systems, sustainable financing, strategic partnerships and measurable accountability as essential priorities. His message was clear that Africa must take greater responsibility for developing solutions that respond to its own circumstances while making effective use of continental and international cooperation.

His Majesty also called for the expansion of the Africa Zero Hunger Initiative beyond its initial focus on the Horn of Africa. He proposed that the initiative should progressively extend its reach across all five geographical regions of the continent. This expansion would help ensure that countries and communities facing hunger and malnutrition receive attention regardless of their geographical location. A continent-wide approach would also encourage African governments to share knowledge, strengthen regional cooperation and coordinate investments in food security. By promoting national ownership alongside continental collaboration, the initiative could support more consistent efforts to address the different causes of hunger across Africa. His Majesty’s appeal reflected the importance of ensuring that no country or vulnerable community remains excluded from efforts to achieve zero hunger.

A major part of His Majesty’s message focused on transforming agricultural production and strengthening food systems. He highlighted the importance of indigenous nutritious foods, climate-resilient agriculture, water security and stronger agricultural value chains. These priorities are particularly relevant as African farmers and rural communities face challenges associated with changing weather patterns, water shortages, land degradation and rising production costs. Investing in climate-resilient farming practices can help communities maintain agricultural production under changing environmental conditions. Strengthening agricultural value chains can also improve the movement of food from farms to markets by supporting processing, storage, transportation and distribution. These interventions can create better opportunities for farmers while improving the availability of nutritious food for consumers.

His Majesty further stressed that increasing food production alone would not solve Africa’s malnutrition crisis. Food must also be nutritious, affordable and accessible to households throughout the year. This requires attention to the quality and diversity of diets, as well as the economic conditions that determine what families can purchase. Indigenous foods can contribute to healthier diets while supporting local agricultural knowledge and food traditions. Improving storage facilities and food distribution systems can help reduce losses and make nutritious products available in different markets. Supporting women and young people in agriculture and food-related businesses can also strengthen household incomes and create opportunities for wider economic participation.

Another important message from the convening was that nutrition must become everyone’s responsibility. Hunger and malnutrition cannot be addressed effectively through the work of health and agriculture ministries alone. Governments need coordinated policies involving education, finance, trade, water and sanitation, social protection, humanitarian affairs, climate adaptation, infrastructure and local economic development. Each of these sectors influences the availability, affordability and accessibility of nutritious food. For example, access to clean water and sanitation helps reduce infections that can contribute to poor nutritional outcomes. Education can improve awareness of healthy diets, while social protection programmes can help vulnerable households access essential food and services.

The involvement of development finance institutions, universities, research organisations, traditional and faith-based leaders, civil society organisations, farmers, women’s groups and young people is equally important. These stakeholders bring different forms of expertise, resources and community connections that can strengthen nutrition programmes. Universities and research institutions can contribute evidence to guide policy decisions and identify effective interventions. Community organisations can help ensure that programmes respond to local needs and reach households that might otherwise be overlooked. Traditional and faith-based leaders can also help promote awareness and encourage community participation in nutrition and food security initiatives. A coordinated approach can therefore create stronger links between national policies and the practical realities experienced by families.

The private sector also has an important role in improving Africa’s food and nutrition security. Businesses can invest in affordable nutritious foods, local food processing, storage infrastructure and agricultural value chains. Such investments can strengthen local markets while creating employment and income opportunities. Better storage and processing facilities can help reduce post-harvest food losses and improve the availability of agricultural products throughout the year. Financial institutions and investors can support farmers and small businesses through financing that enables them to expand production and improve operations. However, these efforts must contribute to accessible and nutritious food rather than focusing exclusively on commercial returns.

Humanitarian organisations remain essential partners in reaching communities facing the most severe forms of food insecurity. The IFRC and its extensive network of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies play an important role in connecting humanitarian assistance with vulnerable populations. Their community-based networks can support responses to food shortages, displacement and other emergencies that threaten household nutrition. Children and families affected by armed conflict, forced displacement and climate-related disasters often face additional barriers to accessing food, healthcare, immunisation and other essential services. These disruptions can increase the risk of malnutrition, particularly among young children and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Stronger coordination between humanitarian organisations, governments and development partners can help ensure that emergency assistance also supports longer-term community resilience.

The convening also focused on turning high-level commitments into practical programmes that deliver measurable improvements. Ministerial and technical discussions examined country-led food security priorities, sustainable financing, climate resilience and community livelihoods. Participants considered how existing platforms and programmes could connect national priorities with technical expertise, financial resources and implementation partners. Particular attention was given to the Food Security Resilience Platform and the Food and Nutrition Resilience Programme. These mechanisms were discussed as potential avenues for strengthening coordination and supporting investments that address food insecurity and malnutrition. Their effectiveness will depend on strong implementation arrangements, appropriate financing and the ability to translate agreed priorities into tangible results at community level.

Development finance institutions, philanthropic organisations and private sector partners were also encouraged to explore opportunities to support investment-ready initiatives. Mobilising additional resources is essential because ambitious food security commitments require reliable and sustained funding. Governments need financing that supports agricultural development, nutrition services, climate adaptation and social protection over the long term. Development partners can contribute through technical assistance, investment support and cooperation with national institutions. There is also a need to strengthen the capacity of local organisations and communities to implement and manage programmes effectively. By directing resources towards proven approaches and promising community-led initiatives, partners can help expand solutions that improve access to nutritious food and strengthen resilience.

The discussions were aligned with major continental and international development frameworks, including the Pan-African Initiative Towards Zero Hunger, the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Kampala Declaration and Strategy for 2026–2035, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These frameworks provide important policy direction for addressing hunger, improving agricultural productivity and promoting sustainable development. Their shared objectives highlight the relationship between food security, poverty reduction, public health and economic transformation. However, achieving these goals requires more than adopting policies and making public commitments. Countries must establish clear implementation plans, mobilise resources and monitor progress to determine whether programmes are improving the lives of vulnerable populations.

Accountability was one of the central priorities highlighted by His Majesty King Letsie III. He proposed structured follow-up on commitments after 90 days, six months and twelve months. This approach would create opportunities to assess progress, identify implementation challenges and ensure that responsible institutions remain engaged. Clear responsibilities and financing pathways would help prevent commitments from remaining at the level of high-level discussions. Measurable indicators would also make it easier to determine whether interventions are improving food access, reducing malnutrition and strengthening community resilience. Regular follow-up can therefore help build confidence among governments, development partners and communities while encouraging more effective use of available resources.

The Kingdom of Lesotho reaffirmed its commitment to supporting continental efforts to eliminate hunger and malnutrition. The country welcomed the participation of the African Union Commission, the IFRC, the Government of Ethiopia, African Member States and development partners. Their contributions strengthened discussions on the need for collective leadership and practical cooperation. Lesotho’s participation also reflected its commitment to supporting His Majesty’s role as an advocate for nutrition and food security across Africa. Through this continental engagement, the Kingdom continues to emphasise that improving nutrition must form part of broader strategies for sustainable development and economic transformation.

On the margins of the convening, His Majesty King Letsie III held discussions with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. The Chairperson commended His Majesty’s continued leadership and advocacy in addressing hunger, stunting and malnutrition across the continent. Their engagement provided an opportunity to reinforce the importance of sustained political commitment and cooperation between African institutions and Member States. Lesotho’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, H.E. Ntsiuoa Sekete, also emphasised the need to maintain momentum beyond the meeting. She reiterated that nutrition must be integrated into Africa’s wider development and economic transformation agenda. The Embassy further highlighted the importance of matching political advocacy with practical investments, stronger institutions, meaningful partnerships and transparent accountability.

The Kingdom of Lesotho believes that investing in nutrition is essential for protecting future generations and building a more prosperous Africa. Children who receive adequate nutrition have better opportunities to grow, learn and develop the skills needed to participate in society and the economy. Healthy populations also strengthen national productivity and reduce some of the long-term costs associated with preventable illness and nutritional deficiencies. This makes nutrition investment an important part of national development planning rather than an issue that should receive attention only during food emergencies. African governments must therefore ensure that nutrition considerations influence decisions across agriculture, healthcare, education, finance and other important sectors. A healthier and better-nourished population will be central to achieving the continent’s ambitions for industrialisation, innovation and sustainable prosperity.

In his closing appeal, His Majesty King Letsie III called on participants to ensure that the Addis Ababa convening became a turning point in Africa’s response to hunger. His message, “Let Addis Ababa mark a turning point, from responding to hunger to preventing it,” captured the need for a more proactive and sustainable approach. The statement reinforced the importance of addressing the structural causes of food insecurity before they develop into major humanitarian crises. It also placed responsibility on governments and partners to maintain political momentum and translate commitments into measurable improvements. The success of this approach will depend on sustained investment, inclusive partnerships and effective implementation at national and community levels.

The AU-IFRC High-Level Convening has reinforced an important message for Africa: ending hunger and malnutrition requires more than emergency food assistance or increased agricultural production. It demands strong political leadership, resilient food systems, affordable nutritious diets, sustainable financing and cooperation across every relevant sector. His Majesty King Letsie III’s advocacy has placed renewed emphasis on protecting Africa’s human capital and recognising nutrition as a foundation for long-term economic development. The Kingdom of Lesotho remains committed to supporting the African Union, the IFRC, Member States and development partners in advancing practical solutions towards zero hunger. Africa’s future prosperity will depend not only on its natural resources and economic potential but also on the health, education and productive capacity of its people. Every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn and thrive, and achieving that goal requires sustained action and shared responsibility across the continent.