African Union official calls for implementation to combat hunger

Moses Vilakati, the African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, has emphasized that the continent must move beyond policy frameworks to address food insecurity. He stated, “We do not eat policies,” highlighting that the primary challenge is the implementation of existing strategies rather than a lack of them.

As of 2025, approximately 309 million people in Africa were suffering from undernourishment, and two out of three Africans lack access to a healthy, balanced diet. To build sustainable solutions and reduce reliance on rainfall, Vilakati advocates for increased investment in irrigation, modern equipment, adapted seeds, and appropriate fertilizers.

With external donor support declining, the Commissioner is urging African governments to mobilize internal resources. He suggested tapping into pension funds, the diaspora, and philanthropic sectors to fund bankable agricultural projects.