World Food Programme faces funding shortages in Burundi and Namibia

The World Food Programme (WFP) is facing significant funding challenges for its operations in Burundi and Namibia. In Burundi, approximately 125,000 refugees are at risk of losing food aid. While recent contributions from the United States and Belgium have secured assistance through the end of 2026, the WFP requires USD 40 million to prevent an interruption in aid and to increase support to meet 100 percent of minimum food needs through September 2027. An additional USD 1 million is needed for school meal programs.

In Namibia, the WFP reports a funding shortfall of N$111.5 million (approximately US$6.7 million) for operations scheduled from October 2026 to March 2027. The organization has secured only about 31.6 percent of the required N$163.1 million. This gap coincides with forecasts of below-normal rainfall and a potential El Niño event, which could threaten agricultural production and increase food prices in the region, particularly for households still recovering from previous droughts.