The African Union Commission (AUC), in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP) and partners, proudly announces the launch of the Cost of Food and Nutrition in Africa (COFAN) studies—a groundbreaking initiative designed to address the complex nutritional challenges facing the continent.  

The COFAN studies will build on the success of the Cost of Hunger in Africa (COHA) studies, which have been instrumental in highlighting the socio-economic impacts of child undernutrition across 23 African countries since 2013. The COFAN studies introduce a more comprehensive approach with new components addressing Africa’s evolving food and nutrition landscape. The COFAN studies will not only update the COHA methodology but also incorporate critical issues such as the double burden of malnutrition, including the economic impacts of overweight and obesity and micronutrient deficiencies, and the impacts of climate change on food security and nutrition, ultimately contributing to the continent's development goals as outlined in the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

The COFAN studies are a direct response to the Agenda 2063 and the Africa Regional Nutrition Strategy (2016-2025), which emphasize the eradication of hunger and malnutrition as pivotal goals for the continent's development. These studies will provide African countries with robust, evidence-based insights into the economic and social costs of malnutrition, offering actionable recommendations for national investment in human capital development.

"The COFAN studies represent a critical step forward in our collective efforts to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in Africa. By expanding the scope of the original COHA studies to include new dimensions and emerging challenges, such as wasting, overweight and obesity, climate change and investment gaps in addressing malnutrition, we are better equipped to guide our Member States in making informed, impactful and evidence-based decisions," said H.E. Amb. Minata Samate Cessouma the African Union Commission, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development. 

The COFAN studies will not only highlight the critical areas requiring intervention but also guide AU Member States in their efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger by 2030. The studies are set to provide a financial case for investment, encouraging governments to allocate resources effectively to combat malnutrition in all its forms.

Dr. Hameed Nuru, Director of WFP's Africa Union Global Office, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "The COFAN studies represent a significant advancement in our understanding of the nutritional challenges in Africa. By integrating new data and methodologies, we aim to provide actionable insights that will guide investments and policy decisions to improve food security and nutrition across the continent."

The COFAN initiative is a collaborative effort involving a multisectoral Technical Working Group that includes representatives from AUC departments, United Nations organizations, development partners, and academia. The pilot phase of the studies will be conducted in diverse African countries, including Egypt, Lesotho, Tanzania, Congo Brazzaville, Senegal, and Nigeria, with a goal to conclude the first phase by 2026. The pilot phase will refine the methodology and demonstrate concrete results before a continent-wide rollout.

The AUC remains committed to its mission of achieving Zero Hunger by 2030, and the COFAN studies are a crucial step towards this goal. Through these studies, Africa is poised to tackle its food and nutrition challenges head-on, ensuring a healthier and more prosperous future for all its citizens.

For more information on the COFAN studies and to stay updated on the latest developments, please visit  African Union Commission, or World Food Programme

About AUC and WFP: The African Union Commission (AUC) is dedicated to promoting sustainable development and improving the quality of life for all Africans. The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, focused on saving lives and changing lives by delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience.

Media Contacts:

African Union Commission

Mr. Derrick Ochuot | Strategic Communication Expert | Directorate of Health and Humanitarian Affairs | Health Systems, Disease and Nutrition Division | African Union Commission | E-mail: ochuotd@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

World Food Programme (WFP)

Mr. Girma Eshetu | Communications and Advocacy Officer | WFP African Union Global Office |E-mail; girma.eshetu@wfp.org |Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

For further information please contact: 

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