“Africa’s wrong hunger trajectory is unacceptable. Strategic investments and innovative solutions are critical to ensure evidence-based policies that drive sustainable nutrition interventions,”

–H.E. Amb. Minata Samate Cessouma, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development at the AUC

A groundbreaking step in addressing Africa’s nutrition challenges was taken as the African Union Commission (AUC), in partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), hosted the High-Level Stakeholders’ Roundtable on the Cost of Food and Nutrition in Africa (COFAN) studies. The event, held at the AUC Headquarters, gathered government representatives, development partners, donor agencies, and technical experts to forge pathways for innovative, evidence-based solutions to malnutrition and food insecurity on the continent.

The Urgency of COFAN Studies

Building on the legacy of the Cost of Hunger in Africa (COHA) studies, the COFAN initiative represents an expanded effort to tackle not only child undernutrition but also the broader triple burden of malnutrition: undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and overweight/obesity. The studies also explore the intersections of climate change, food insecurity, and the economic costs of nutrition interventions, aiming to provide actionable investment priorities for African Union Member States.

A Collaborative Vision for Nutrition

The roundtable underscored the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration and strategic investments. It facilitated dialogue on the methodologies and timelines for the pilot phase of COFAN, which will launch in eight diverse countries—Egypt, Lesotho, Tanzania, Congo Brazzaville, Senegal, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Côte d’Ivoire. This phase will refine methodologies and demonstrate results before scaling continent-wide by 2026​.

In her closing remarks, Amb. Cessouma emphasized, “Today’s discussions have reaffirmed our shared commitment to addressing food and nutrition security. Your technical expertise and financial support are pivotal to translating the COFAN initiative into tangible outcomes for Africa”​.

Key Outcomes and Commitments

Participants achieved consensus on several critical fronts:

• Enhanced commitment from Member States and development partners to support the pilot studies.
• Agreement on the modalities and timeline for COFAN implementation.
• Financial and technical pledges to drive the success of the pilot phase.

Dr. Hameed Nuru, WFP’s Director for the African Union Global Office, reiterated the need for actionable insights, stating, “The WFP is dedicated to ensuring COFAN delivers policies and interventions that effectively drive food and nutrition security in Africa”​​.

The Path Forward

The COFAN studies mark a transformative chapter in Africa’s fight against malnutrition. With strong partnerships and a unified vision, the AUC and its collaborators are set to catalyze nutrition-sensitive policies and investments that address the continent’s challenges.

The meeting concluded with a call to action, urging stakeholders to translate commitments into impactful solutions. As Africa charts this ambitious path forward, initiatives like COFAN exemplify the power of collective action in shaping a healthier and more resilient future for the continent.

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