Toronto, Canada – The African Union (AU), Nutrition International and the Canadian government took bold steps to advance their shared vision for a healthier, better-educated, and more resilient future for Africa during the recent African Union Commission-Canada High-Level Dialogue. Held in a dynamic fireside chat format, the event brought together Hon. Ahmed Hussen, Canada’s Minister of International Development, and H.E. Ambassador Minata Samate Cessouma, AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development. Moderated by Joel Spicer, President and CEO of Nutrition International, the session highlighted critical opportunities to foster cooperation in nutrition, education, and health, focusing on children, women, and adolescents.
Highlighting Shared Priorities and New Approaches
Ambassador Samate praised Canada’s approach to Africa as a partnership of equals. She underscored the AU’s priorities, including leveraging flagship projects like the African Medicines Agency (AMA) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to foster better health outcomes and economic development. Ambassador Samate also noted Canada’s continued investment in nutrition and education as essential, given Africa’s status as home to the largest youth demographic globally.
Minister Hussen shared his vision for Canada’s renewed engagement with Africa, focusing on integrated approaches to development that connect health, education, and nutrition. He emphasised the importance of results-driven collaborations, particularly in addressing malnutrition, which affects millions across the continent.
Tackling Africa’s Nutrition Crisis
The fireside chat delved into Africa’s nutrition challenges, including high rates of stunting, wasting, and anaemia among children and women of reproductive age. Ambassador Samate highlighted the AU’s strategic frameworks, such as the African Regional Nutrition Strategy (ARNS 2016-2025) and its successor strategy for 2026-2035, as vital tools to guide policy and action. She also lauded initiatives like the African Leaders for Nutrition (ALN) and the launch of the 2022 AU Year of Nutrition, which galvanised commitments toward addressing malnutrition and promoting food security.
“Malnutrition costs African economies between 3% and 16% of GDP annually,” Ambassador Samate noted, urging for a multisectoral approach that includes health, education, agriculture, and social protection to tackle this pervasive issue.
Opportunities for Civil Society Collaboration
The dialogue underscored the pivotal role of Canadian civil society organisations in advancing shared development goals. Ambassador Samate called on these organisations to support African priorities by scaling proven interventions and breaking down siloes between sectors like health, nutrition, and education. Minister Hussen echoed this sentiment, urging civil society to maximise their impact by embracing innovation and integration.
Looking Ahead: Canada and Africa on the Global Stage
As Canada prepares to host the 2025 G7 Summit and preside over ECOSOC, the fireside chat highlighted opportunities to amplify Africa’s voice on the global stage. Both leaders stressed the importance of strategic collaboration to address challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and equitable health access.
Ambassador Samate concluded by reaffirming the AU Commission’s commitment to building a strong, collaborative partnership with Canada. “Together, we can tackle malnutrition, strengthen education, and achieve our shared vision of prosperity for Africa and the world.”
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For further information, please contact:
Mr. Derrick Ochuot | Strategic Communication Expert | Directorate of Health and Humanitarian Affairs | Health Systems, Diseases and Nutrition Division | African Union Commission | E-mail: ochuotd@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
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