AU, Stakeholders Push for Action on Malnutrition at High-Level Summit

Addis Ababa, February 14, 2025 (POA) --- The African Union (AU) and key partners, including African leaders, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and Nutrition International, are urging immediate action to combat widespread malnutrition across Africa.

This call to action came during a high-level side event at the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa.

The event, titled "From Policy to Action: Towards a Common Position to Address Malnutrition in Africa," highlighted the devastating impact of malnutrition.  It was stressed that the continent loses an estimated 153 billion USD  annually due to reduced productivity and hindered economic growth caused by malnutrition.

Participants emphasized the need to move beyond commitments and implement concrete measures to address this critical issue.

This high-level gathering, co-organized by the AU Commission (AUC), the African Development Bank (AfDB) through the Africa Leaders for Nutrition Initiative, and the governments of Lesotho and Côte d’Ivoire, brought together leaders, stakeholders, and experts to foster collaboration and reaffirm Africa's dedication to improving nutrition.

Minata Samate Cessouma, the outgoing AUC Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development, stressed the urgent need for improved nutrition at both national and continental levels to combat malnutrition and achieve the AU’s Agenda 2063 targets.

"Millions of Africans suffer from malnutrition and its related consequences," Commissioner Cessouma stated. "Without adequate food and nutrition, progress in education, agriculture, and socio-economic development is impossible."

She emphasized the need for a unified continental strategy and increased stakeholder engagement to mobilize necessary resources. Cessouma also commended successful nutrition initiatives in countries like Ethiopia and Côte d'Ivoire.

The event further recognized and celebrated the advocacy work of AU Nutrition Champion, His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho.

Lesotho's Prime Minister, Sam Matekane, urged greater cross-sector collaboration and the translation of financial and policy commitments into concrete solutions to combat malnutrition in Africa.

The forum served as a platform to review lessons learned, evaluate AU Member States' financial and policy commitments, and solidify Africa's unified position in advance of the 2025 Nutrition for Growth Summit in Paris.

Vice President of the African Development Bank, Nnenna Lily Nwabufo reaffirmed the bank's commitment to supporting African nations, including Ethiopia, and the AU in their fight against malnutrition.

She pledged continued financial support to address the continent's nutrition challenges.

FAO Director-General, Qu Dongyu, emphasized the urgent need to move from commitments to tangible action.

Joel C. Spicer, President and CEO of Nutrition International, called for greater collaboration among all stakeholders to combat malnutrition and anemia. 

The  event highlighted the critical role of nutrition in Africa's development agenda and the necessity of a unified, continent-wide effort to ensure a healthier and more prosperous future for all Africans.

It also provided a vital platform to refine and amplify Africa’s collective voice leading up to the 2025 Nutrition for Growth Summit.