MEDIA ADVISORY

High-Level Side Event on Malnutrition and Nutrition Commitments in Africa

INVITATION TO THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEDIA

WHAT: Malnutrition remains a critical challenge in Africa, costing the continent an estimated $153 billion annually in lost productivity and economic growth. On the sidelines of the 38th African Union (AU) Summit, this high-level side event will focus on accelerating Africa’s collective efforts to combat malnutrition under the theme: “From Policy to Action: Towards a Common Position to Address Malnutrition in Africa.”

WHEN: Friday, February 14, 2025,

TIME: 18:00 to 21:00 EAT

WHERE: Hyatt Regency Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The high-level side event is jointly organized by the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Development Bank (through the Africa Leaders for Nutrition Initiative), the Government of Lesotho, and the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.

The event will celebrate progress achieved through high-level advocacy led by AU Nutrition Champion, His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho, while reflecting on lessons learned in the fight against malnutrition. It will assess financial and policy commitments made by AU Member States and strengthen Africa’s position ahead of the upcoming Nutrition for Growth Summit in Paris.

Aimed at mobilizing political will and reaffirming Africa’s commitment to tackling malnutrition, the event will bring together leaders and stakeholders to enhance multisectoral collaboration, ensuring a united effort to improve nutrition across the continent.

A key highlight will be the launch of the Strategic Framework for Anaemia Prevention in Africa, which focuses on urgent, evidence-based, and multi-sectoral interventions to combat anaemia and improve health outcomes. Additionally, the event will serve as a platform to solidify Africa’s unified position for the 2025 Nutrition for Growth Summit, ensuring nutrition remains a top priority in the continent’s development agenda.

Keynote Speakers

His Majesty King Letsie III, His Majesty King Letsie III, AU Nutrition Champion

H.E Alassane Ouattara, President of the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, Co-host of the 2025 N4G Summit.

H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission:

Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President, African Development Bank Group Opening Statements:

H.E. Qu Dongyu, Director General, Food and Agriculture Organizations of the United Nations - Global Perspective on Nutrition

H.E Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, President of the Islamic Development Bank and Chairman of the IsDB Group: Innovative Financing for Sustainable Nutrition Outcomes: The Role of the Islamic Development Bank"

Ms. Victoria Kwakwa, Regional Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa, World: Driving Impactful Investments in Nutrition: The World Bank's Perspective on Scaling Commitments in Africa"

The Commission for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development, represented by its Commissioner, H.E. Amb. Minata Samate Cessouma

Mr. Joel Spicer, President and CEO of Nutrition International: Reflecting on Progress and Strengthening Civil Society Advocacy for Transformative Nutrition Investments at N4G 2025

Participation at the event:
Attendance for members of the press is by invitation only.

Media representatives are invited to submit requests to attend or interview delegates to:

Derrick Oduck Ochuot | African Union Commission | Email: OchuotD@african-union.org | Web: www.au.int

Janet Faith Adhiambo Ochieng | Information and Communication. Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail: Ochiengj@Africa-union.org

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
Web: www.au.int  | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube