African Union and Red Cross partner to address food security

The African Union and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) are strengthening cooperation to develop sustainable solutions for hunger in Africa. During a high-level meeting in Addis Ababa, leaders discussed moving beyond emergency food aid toward long-term food sovereignty.

Key strategies include developing climate-resilient agriculture, improving intra-African trade, and enhancing connectivity infrastructure. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, President of the African Union Commission, emphasized the role of modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence, in boosting agricultural productivity and humanitarian response.

Challenges remain significant, as FAO data presented at the meeting indicated approximately 309 million people in Africa suffered from undernourishment in 2025. Moses Vilakati, the African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, noted that heavy reliance on rainfall makes production vulnerable to climate shifts. He called for increased investment in irrigation, equipment, and adapted seeds, while urging African governments to seek domestic resources as external donor support declines.