The African Development Bank (AfDB) has taken a monumental step in combating hunger and malnutrition among school-age children across Africa.
On March 20, the Bank’s Board of Directors approved the establishment of the End School-Age Hunger Fund (ESAH), an ambitious initiative aimed at strengthening school meal programs in targeted African nations.
The ESAH Fund is set to expand existing school meal initiatives while creating new programs to ensure more children have access to nutritious food during their studies. Beyond addressing hunger, the initiative also aims to boost rural economies by supporting agricultural productivity and empowering small-scale enterprises tied to school feeding programs.
The African Development Fund, the concessional financing arm of the AfDB, will oversee the implementation of this initiative. Partnering with the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), a leading philanthropic organization, ESAH is poised to create a significant impact.
CIFF has already pledged $50 million towards the fund and has indicated a willingness to contribute an additional $50 million, contingent on the Bank’s initial funding.
To maximize the Fund’s impact, the AfDB is actively engaging other philanthropic organizations, including the Aliko Dangote Foundation, to expand the donor base. This collaborative approach aims to secure long-term financial sustainability and broaden the reach of the initiative.
Speaking about the Fund’s potential, Dr. Beth Dunford, Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development at AfDB, emphasized the strategic five-year implementation period. “This timeline provides enough room to establish a robust proof of concept, ensuring the continuation of the initiative beyond the initial funding phase,” Dr. Dunford stated.
The ESAH Fund’s impact extends beyond the provision of nutritious meals. It aims to support governments in prioritizing school feeding programs as a tool for socio-economic development. These programs not only improve learning outcomes and student retention but also provide a social safety net for vulnerable communities.
By partnering with local enterprises, the Fund seeks to stimulate economic growth in rural areas, ensuring that the benefits of the program are felt beyond school boundaries. Technical assistance and advocacy will also be key components of the initiative, ensuring that governments integrate these programs into their broader development strategies.
CIFF, known as the world’s largest philanthropic organization dedicated to children’s welfare, underscores the immense potential of this initiative. With an endowment valued at $6 billion, CIFF’s commitment signals a turning point in Africa’s fight against child hunger.
As ESAH gears up for implementation, the collaboration between international donors, local governments, and community stakeholders paints a hopeful picture of a future where every child has access to nutritious meals and quality education. The African Development Bank’s leadership in this effort serves as a model for addressing systemic challenges with innovative and sustainable solutions.
