To meet nutritional targets outlined in the Malabo Framework, such as reducing stunting by 10% by 2025, Goal 3 of Agenda 2063, and Sustainable Development Goal 2 - Zero Hunger, there is a critical emphasis on sustainable resource mobilization strategies, particularly focusing on nutrition and locally produced nutritious foods. The African Union Summit High-level Nutrition side event, held on February 16, 2024, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, under the theme “Achieving Nutrition Goals in Africa post-Malabo: Public and Private Sector Sustainable Nutrition Financing,” provided invaluable insights into mobilising funding for nutrition, strategically leveraging funding sources, and engaging the private sector to improve nutrition outcomes.

Discussions centered on urging the private sector to adopt nutrition-sensitive investments as part of the AU strategic framework for better nutrition, aiming for a win-win solution. Farmers’ needs include having accessible and stable markets and receiving agricultural support. The event emphasized the critical role of the private sector, along with other stakeholders, in accelerating progress in nutrition financing, recognizing its essential role in achieving sustainable development across Africa.

In her remarks, H. E. Mrs. Nardos Bekele-Thomas indicated that AUDA-NEPAD is working with member states to mainstream food systems and nutrition in the CAADP process and accelerate private sector engagement in Africa. She further expressed optimism about the future of Africa, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to unite stakeholders dedicated to advancing global nutrition goals and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Ethiopian government funds the Seqota Declaration plan, Ethiopia’s Seqota Declaration Resource Mobilization Plan, which is committed to ending stunting among children under two years by 2030. It builds on and catalyzes the implementation of the national Food and Nutrition Strategy by delivering high-impact nutrition-specific, nutrition-sensitive, and climate and nutrition-smart infrastructure interventions. The government of Ethiopia has launched the ambitious Expansion and Scale-Up Phases that aim to reach more vulnerable households with multi-sectoral interventions.

Ensuring commitment and contributions from all parties involved in accelerating nutrition financing is of paramount importance to combat malnutrition on the continent. Similarly, establishing a common understanding of the win-win outcomes in Nutrition in Africa is crucial and the outcome of this engagement will inform post-Malabo agenda and ensure its fate for the future.