AUC and IFRC Urge Stronger Country Leadership to Combat Hunger in Africa

The African Union Commission (AUC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have called for stronger country leadership to address hunger across Africa. According to the 2025 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report, an estimated 306.5 million people in Africa were undernourished in 2024. The two organizations convened the AU–IFRC High-Level Convening on Advancing Durable Solutions Towards Zero Hunger in Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The meeting aimed to align country priorities towards food and nutrition sovereignty and mobilize investment.

The high-level meeting emphasized country-led action, with participants discussing how national priorities can be aligned towards food and nutrition sovereignty. The discussions focused on mobilizing investment and strengthening solutions that enable communities to withstand recurring food crises. The AUC and IFRC stressed that stronger leadership at the country level — backed by long-term investment and resilient food systems — is critical to breaking the cycle of recurring food crises. The urgency of the gathering was underscored by the stark new figures on food insecurity in Africa.

The convening expressed appreciation to the Government of Ethiopia for hosting the event and commended the leadership of His Majesty King Letsie III of the Kingdom of Lesotho, African Union Champion for Nutrition, and co-convener of the event. The meeting was held under the theme: “Advancing Durable Solutions Towards Zero Hunger in Africa.” The AUC and IFRC noted that while humanitarian assistance remains essential to save lives during emergencies, lasting progress requires sustained investment in resilient food systems, livelihoods, water security, nutrition, and climate resilience.

The AUC and IFRC's joint appeal comes as African governments face mounting pressure to address hunger amid climate shocks, conflict, and economic strain. More than half of the continent’s population experienced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2024. The organizations emphasized that humanitarian assistance alone cannot deliver lasting food security. They called for sustained investment in resilient food systems, livelihoods, water security, nutrition, and climate resilience to contribute to the implementation of broader continental commitments on food security and nutrition.

The high-level meeting brought together African leaders and partners to explore solutions to address hunger in Africa. The discussions aimed to strengthen solutions that help communities withstand recurring food crises, rather than relying on repeated emergency responses. The AUC and IFRC concluded with a shared commitment to advance durable solutions towards zero hunger, with partners pledging to support country-led efforts and to strengthen collaboration across the continent.

The convening highlighted the importance of country-led action and long-term investment in addressing hunger in Africa. The AUC and IFRC emphasized that stronger country leadership is critical to achieving food and nutrition sovereignty. The organizations called on African governments to prioritize investment in resilient food systems, livelihoods, water security, nutrition, and climate resilience to address the root causes of hunger.

The AUC and IFRC's call for stronger country leadership to combat hunger in Africa comes as the continent faces significant challenges in addressing food insecurity. The organizations' joint appeal aims to mobilize investment and strengthen solutions that enable communities to withstand recurring food crises. The convening concluded with a commitment to advance durable solutions towards zero hunger, with a focus on country-led efforts and collaboration across the continent.

Key points

• The AUC and IFRC called for stronger country leadership to address hunger in Africa, backed by long-term investment and resilient food systems.
• An estimated 306.5 million people in Africa were undernourished in 2024, while more than half of the continent’s population experienced moderate or severe food insecurity.
• The AUC and IFRC emphasized that humanitarian assistance alone cannot deliver lasting food security, and that sustained investment in resilient food systems is critical to achieving food and nutrition sovereignty.