Lesotho’s King Letsie III has joined forces with the African Development Bank Group and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) to combat hunger among school-age children in Africa. The partnership was formalized with a Letter of Intent, committing an initial $50 million from CIFF to establish the End School-Age Hunger Fund, aimed at supporting countries with universal school feeding programs through grants and loans.
The agreement was signed at a high-level roundtable co-hosted by the African Development Bank Group, the Aliko Dangote Foundation, CIFF, and the Rockefeller Foundation. The event, titled “Leveraging the Strengths and Capital of Bank and Philanthropies for a Prosperous, Inclusive, and Resilient Africa,” attracted influential figures in development finance, including African Union representatives and leaders in philanthropy.
During the discussions, participants explored innovative approaches to accelerate progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on school feeding initiatives. Research indicates that for every dollar invested in school meal programs, there is a return of nine dollars through improved health, educational outcomes, and economic productivity. These initiatives not only nourish children but also function as vital tools for social protection and economic advancement.
King Letsie III urged attendees to think long-term, stating, “We aim to reach 10 million vulnerable children in 10 pilot countries by 2030. Let this be just the beginning, as we strive for a fully nourished, educated, and empowered Africa.”
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, called on philanthropies to increase their contributions, suggesting that they become non-state supporters of the African Development Fund. He encouraged investment in newly launched hybrid capital aimed at fostering development.
Sir Christopher Hohn, Founder and Chair of CIFF, reiterated the urgency of the initiative, saying, “No child should go hungry. School feeding is a cost-effective solution that can help achieve zero hunger by 2030. This partnership is crucial for maximizing philanthropic impact in Africa.”
Aliko Dangote, representing his foundation, expressed pride in the collaboration, emphasizing that improving nutrition and education is vital for enhancing productivity and overall community well-being.
The meeting also featured insights from Minata Samate-Cessouma, the African Union Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development. Participants agreed on the importance of mobilizing funds from diverse sources, including development banks, charities, and private investors.
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