Scaling up nutrition in Africa: A post-Malabo agenda

As Africa continues on its development journey post-Malabo, one critical aspect that is gaining traction is the focus on nutrition and its role in advancing health and economic resilience across the continent. The Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement, a UN-led initiative, is at the forefront of realigning strategies and boosting investments to address this crucial issue. CNBC Africa's Tabitha Muthoni recently spoke with Afshan Khan, UN Assistant-Secretary General and SUN Coordinator, to delve into the key priorities and strategies of the SUN Movement in the context of Africa's evolving food systems. Khan highlighted the pivotal role of national governments, development partners, and private sector entities in driving forward nutrition interventions and promoting sustainable agricultural practices to ensure access to healthy and nutritious food for all Africans. The focus on post-Malabo initiatives is centered around supporting countries in sub-Saharan Africa to set clear targets and secure the necessary domestic and international investments for nutrition programs. The SUN Movement is collaborating closely with global partners like the World Bank to identify funding mechanisms and financing strategies that can scale up investments in nutrition and drive transformation in food systems. By leveraging innovative approaches and engaging various stakeholders, including government, financial institutions, and small and medium enterprises, the SUN Movement aims to enhance nutrition outcomes, reduce malnutrition rates, and promote inclusive economic growth across the continent. One of the key themes discussed in the interview is the importance of aligning nutrition interventions with broader agricultural and health systems to address the root causes of malnutrition in Africa. Khan emphasized the critical role of domestic financing and international aid in supporting countries to prioritize nutrition within their national development agendas. By adopting a comprehensive approach that involves various sectors such as agriculture, health, social protection, and industry, countries like Rwanda are setting a precedent for a whole-of-government strategy to combat malnutrition and promote food security. Three key points highlighted during the conversation include the need for strong nutrition interventions in the health sector, the importance of private sector investment in sustainable food production, and the significance of reducing food loss and waste to ensure food security and affordability for all. By empowering community health workers, supporting small and medium enterprises through initiatives like the Sun Business Network, and investing in distribution and storage infrastructure, African countries can enhance food access, quality, and affordability, while also supporting the livelihoods of farmers, particularly women and youth. In conclusion, the SUN Movement's post-Malabo agenda underscores the urgency and importance of prioritizing nutrition as a cornerstone of Africa's development progress. By mobilizing resources, engaging diverse stakeholders, and implementing innovative solutions, the SUN Movement is poised to drive positive change in African food systems, improve health outcomes, and foster economic resilience for future generations.