Africa: 11th Africa Day of School Feeding Concludes With Strong Call for Integrated Investment in Nutrition, Water, and Hygiene
AllAfrica
March 3, 2026
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The 11th Africa Day of School Feeding concluded in Gaborone, Botswana, with a strong emphasis on integrating nutrition, water, and hygiene into school feeding programs across the continent. The event brought together ministers, development partners, civil society, researchers, youth, and children to focus on sustainable school meal systems that align with climate-resilient agriculture and food security. Participants highlighted the critical role of school meals in achieving Agenda 2063 goals, particularly Aspiration 1, which aims for a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development. They also underscored the connection between school feeding programs and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Zero Hunger, Quality Education, and Clean Water and Sanitation.
Over the past decade, African Union member states have made significant strides in institutionalizing school meal programs. Thirty-five countries have dedicated national budget lines for these initiatives, with over 80% of funding coming from domestic sources, reflecting growing national ownership and sustainability. The meeting emphasized the importance of innovative financing mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships and increased domestic resource mobilization, to expand access and work toward universal coverage. School meals were also recognized as a key tool in improving school attendance, particularly for girls, by addressing menstrual health-related absenteeism and promoting gender equality.
Delegates stressed the need for cross-sectoral collaboration among Ministries of Education, Agriculture, Health, Finance, Water and Sanitation, and Social Protection to deliver integrated, child-centered services. Strengthened data systems, research,
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Originally published on AllAfrica on 3/3/2026