Today, The African Union (AU) and Nutrition International have signed a second memorandum of understanding (MoU), reaffirming their shared commitment to accelerate progress on nutrition security across Africa and tackle malnutrition in all its forms. Under the auspices of His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho and the AU Nutrition Champion, the MoU was signed in Addis Ababa by H.E. Amb. Amma Twum-Amoah, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, African Union Commission, and Joel Spicer, President and CEO of Nutrition International.

“In today’s trying times, it encourages me when I see a global nutrition organization from Canada rally to Africa’s struggle to free itself from malnutrition,” said His Majesty King Letsie III. “The AU’s leadership on nutrition is essential and trusted partnerships, like this one, are equally vital.”

Under the new MoU, the African Union Commission and Nutrition International will collaborate on key areas, including developing and implementing AU nutrition policies, strategies, and frameworks; strengthening governance and advocacy; promoting increased domestic and external investments in nutrition; and advancing maternal, new-born, and adolescent nutrition programmes. They will also monitor member states’ progress in implementing the 2014 Malabo Declaration on nutrition security, helping to drive inclusive economic growth and sustainable development across Africa.

“Nutrition is the foundation of Africa’s health, education, productivity and economic growth,” said Joel Spicer, President and CEO, Nutrition International. “Building on the progress achieved through our first MoU with the AU, we are advancing our shared vision of a continent free from hunger and malnutrition, while supporting member states to deliver high-impact nutrition programs to their populations.”

The AU recognized Nutrition International for the successful implementation of the first MoU, signed in April 2022, noting the measurable progress made in advancing nutrition programs across the continent.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, H.E. Amb Amma Twum-Amoah, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, African Union Commission, emphasized the significance of the renewed collaboration. “This renewed Memorandum of Understanding deepens our shared commitment to placing nutrition at the heart of Africa’s human capital development. Together with Nutrition International, we will work alongside our Member States to turn continental commitments into measurable impact, advancing maternal, newborn, child and adolescent nutrition, mobilising sustainable financing and ensuring that every African can thrive, with no one left behind.”

The partnership will accelerate the achievement of global and regional nutrition commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals and the World Health Assembly targets and Africa Regional Nutrition Strategy, while further enhancing member states' capacity through technical assistance to plan, finance, implement, and monitor evidence-based nutrition programmes across Africa.

The MoU will be operationalised through a joint work plan that guides collaborative efforts to improve nutrition programmes, strengthen member state capacities, and achieve measurable improvements in the health and well-being of communities across Africa. By working together, the AU and Nutrition International aim to speed up progress towards ending hunger and malnutrition, while promoting inclusive growth and resilience across the continent.

About the African Union

The African Union (AU), headquartered in Addis Ababa, is a continental body comprising 55 Member States and established in 2002 as the successor to the Organization of African Unity (OAU). Guided by its vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens, the AU provides strategic leadership and policy direction to advance Agenda 2063 and accelerate the continent’s development and integration. Working closely with Member States, Regional Economic Communities and global partners, the African Union promotes peace and security, good governance, economic growth, public health and nutrition, social development and humanitarian action, while supporting countries to translate continental frameworks into concrete national action that improves the lives and well-being of Africa’s people. Learn more: https://www.au.int/

About Nutrition International

Nutrition International is a global nutrition organization headquartered in Ottawa, Canada. For more than 30 years, we have focused on delivering cost-effective, high-impact, nutrition interventions to people in need. Working alongside governments as an expert ally, we combine deep technical expertise with a flexible approach, increasing impact without increasing complexity or cost. In more than 60 countries, primarily in Asia and Africa, Nutrition International nourishes people to nourish life. NutritionIntl.org Learn more: https://www.nutritionintl.org/

For further media inquiries, please contact:

1. Derrick Oduck Ochuot | Strategic Communication Expert, Directorate of Health and Humanitarian Affairs | Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, African Union Commission | Mobile: +251993942086 | E-mail: OchuotD@Africanunion.org
2. Lucy Murunga, Regional Communications Manager | Nutrition International Africa Regional Office Avenue 5, 1st Floor, Rose Avenue, Off Lenana Road, P.O. Box, 22296 – 00505 Nairobi, Kenya | Cell +254 722866830 | Email: tmungou@nutritionintl.org