The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB)approved, on March 20, 2025, the creation of a $50 million trust fund to fight hunger among school-aged children in Africa.
This fund, called ESAH (Ending School-Age Hunger in Africa), aims to strengthen school feeding programs in targeted countries by expanding and developing initiatives to provide nutritious meals to children during their school years, according to a press release received by APA on Friday.
The implementation of this fund will be carried out in partnership with the African Development Fund (ADF) and includes the commitment of the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), which has already confirmed an investment of US$50 million.
“CIFF is committed to supporting broader resource mobilization activities to attract more donors to the Fund,” the foundation said, adding that it was ready to contribute an additional $50 million once the AfDB makes its first contribution.
The ESAH Fund will support activities that directly contribute to school feeding initiatives, while also promoting the development of local small and medium-sized enterprises involved in these programs. It will also encourage governments to prioritize these programs, which are considered essential for improving socioeconomic development, student retention, and learning outcomes.
“The ESAH Fund will seek a five-year commitment from targeted states, which is the standard implementation period for the Bank’s investment projects,” said Dr. Beth Dunford, AfDB Vice President.
The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, the world’s largest philanthropic organisation dedicated to improving children’s lives, has raised more than $2.4 billion since its inception in 2004.
Its commitment to the fund is a testament to its potential to mobilise resources for critical causes such as school nutrition in Africa.
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