Abdelmonem Fawzi
School feeding programmes are effective investments in Africa’s children, simultaneously advancing education, nutrition, and economic development.
Every March 1st, the continent observes African School Feeding Day to celebrate the vital role that daily nutritious meals play in schools.
These programmes improve learning outcomes, reduce child hunger, enhance concentration, and stimulate local economies by sourcing food from nearby farmers.
The observance began in 2016 when the African Union Assembly, through Decision AU Assembly (589 XXVI), recognised Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) as a powerful driver of progress in education, nutrition, agriculture, rural development, and gender equality.
Since its inception, the Africa Day of School Feeding (ADSF) has grown into the continent’s premier platform for highlighting the transformative power of these initiatives.
They contribute directly to Agenda 2063’s Aspiration 1, a prosperous Africa grounded in inclusive growth and sustainable development, while reinforcing integrated human capital systems that connect education, health, agriculture, and social protection.
The eleventh edition, held from February 28 to March 1, 2026, in Gaborone, Botswana, adopted the theme: “Ensuring Access to Nutritious Meals, Clean Water and Hygiene: Promoting Safety and Resilience in Every School Meal Investment.”
This theme aligns closely with the African Union’s 2026 Theme of the Year, which emphasises sustainable water availability and safe sanitation to achieve Agenda 2063 goals.
It also supports SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation and sets the stage for meaningful collaboration ahead of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference.
Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are essential to making school feeding programmes safe and effective.
Clean water is needed at every stage, from growing crops and preparing meals to maintaining hygiene in schools.
Proper sanitation facilities are especially important for adolescent girls, directly influencing their attendance, dignity, and ability to continue learning without interruption.
By intentionally linking nutritious food with reliable water and hygiene, the 11th ADSF positions school feeding as a cornerstone of human capital development and long-term climate resilience across Africa.
The impact is clear and far-reaching. Children show higher enrolment rates, more consistent attendance, improved focus, and stronger academic performance.
Hunger decreases while overall nutrition rises, supporting healthier physical and cognitive growth.
Economically, home-grown models create stable demand for smallholder farmers, particularly in rural communities, and open opportunities for women entrepreneurs running micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises that supply ingredients or services to schools.
Impressive gains have been recorded. The African Union Biennial Report (2023-2024) shows the number of children benefiting from school meals grew from 38.4 million in 2013 to 86.86 million in 2024.
Continental investment increased from $1.32 billion in 2020 to $1.96 billion in 2024, with 83 per cent coming from domestic sources.
Today, 35 member states maintain dedicated national budget lines for these programmes, reflecting strong political ownership.
Despite this momentum, significant challenges remain: persistent funding gaps, inadequate infrastructure, limited cross-sectoral coordination, vulnerability to emergencies and conflict, and weak monitoring and evaluation systems.
The African Day of School Feeding, therefore, serves as a critical accountability mechanism, a space to renew commitments, deepen partnerships, and accelerate implementation at scale.
Co-hosted by the African Union Commission’s Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, the World Food Programme, and the Government of Botswana, the event brought together high-level participants, including Botswana’s President, the AU Commissioner for Education, ministers from Member States, regional economic communities, UN agencies, and School Meals Coalition representatives.
The gathering aimed to mobilise political will, strengthen alliances, and attract greater investment to expand sustainable, resilient school feeding programmes continent-wide.
It celebrated Africa’s leadership in national initiatives and its influential role in the global School Meals Coalition, showcased innovative home-grown and climate-smart practices that strengthen food systems and support farmers, and reinforced policy, governance, and financing frameworks through domestic resource mobilisation and institutional integration.
Ultimately, African School Feeding Day is more than an annual commemoration. It is in fact a rallying call.
By thoughtfully investing in nutritious meals paired with clean water and hygiene, Africa is not only nourishing today’s children but also building the foundation for healthier, more educated, and economically vibrant societies tomorrow.
Abdelmonem Fawzi is a writer
and expert on international relations.
