Africa: From Short-Term Aid to Long-Term Strength – Launching Africa Zero Hunger

Africa: From Short-Term Aid to Long-Term Strength – Launching Africa Zero Hunger


On 19 August 2025, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) officially launched the Africa Zero Hunger: United for Durable Solutions campaign — a bold, Africa-wide movement to change the way we respond to food insecurity.

Moderated by award-winning journalist Victoria Rubadiri, the virtual launch brought together policymakers, humanitarian leaders, grassroots innovators, and partners who share a common vision: a future where the communities hardest hit by food security can become part of the solution. Click here to watch the official launch of the Africa Zero Hunger campaign and hear experts discuss what durable, community-led solutions look like in action.

Why Now?

The numbers are staggering. Over 282 million people are undernourished in Sub-Saharan Africa, almost one-third of the world’s food-insecure population. In 2024 alone, 173 million people faced acute food insecurity or worse, with women and children disproportionately affected.


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This is not simply the result of bad harvests or temporary crises. It is the outcome of deep-rooted, structural challenges: climate shocks, violent conflict, displacement, and fragile food and social protection systems.

But the crisis also presents an opportunity. It’s a chance to reset the humanitarian approach. Traditional aid models are struggling to leave a lasting impact, yet across Africa, communities are already designing, leading, and scaling solutions that work. The Zero Hunger Campaign aims to accelerate and replicate those efforts.

Watch this video to learn more about the ongoing hunger emergency unfolding across Africa

What makes this campaign different

The IFRC and its network of 191 National Societies, including more than 16 million volunteers globally, are uniquely positioned to bridge local knowledge and large-scale impact.

“It represents a turning point,” said Pierre Kremer, Deputy Regional Director, IFRC Africa. “It’s moving from short-term food aid to lasting, community-driven change. For Africa, it’s a rallying call to end hunger by harnessing local ingenuity, climate-smart practices, and sustainable livelihoods.”

From mothers’ clubs in Nigeria that reduce malnutrition at a fraction of the cost of traditional aid programs, to integrated food and livelihoods initiatives in Kenya that combine climate-smart farming with savings and health programs — the proof is already on the ground.