African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Akinwumi Adesina, is in Rio de Janeiro to underscore his dedication to ending hunger and malnutrition. The G20 Rio Summit, themed “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,” runs from 18-19 November and will focus heavily on the G20’s Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. This groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by Brazil as the current G20 Chair, aims to unite developed and developing nations in tackling hunger and inequality.
Hunger in Africa: A Sobering Reality
Africa is central to the initiative as the continent accounts for more than a third of the world’s hungry population, with 20.4% of its people facing hunger according to the 2024 State of Food Security and Nutrition report. This equates to over 280 million Africans, representing 38% of the global population suffering from hunger.
Also read: Adesina’s call for valuing Africa’s green wealth at COP29
At the 2024 World Food Prize Norman Borlaug Dialogue in Iowa, Adesina called hunger the “worst form of deprivation,” highlighting its devastating effects on human dignity, the body, mind, and soul.
AfDB’s Role and Commitment
The African Development Bank is actively supporting the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. In collaboration with the World Bank and other development institutions, the AfDB is championing innovative financial mechanisms to scale up support. Alongside the Inter-American Development Bank, the AfDB has initiated a campaign to leverage IMF Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) via multilateral development banks, employing a hybrid financing approach to boost funding.
Under its “High Five” strategy, the AfDB’s Feed Africa programme continues to drive food security and resilience across the continent. This initiative aligns with the broader goals of the Global Alliance to expand healthy food production and develop sustainable agriculture.
Also read: Africa’s prominent role at G20 Brazil summit
G20’s Broader Mission and Leadership Transition
The Brazilian Presidency of the G20 builds on efforts by previous chairs, Indonesia and India, to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of multilateral development banks. With Brazil set to pass the G20 Chairmanship to South Africa at the summit’s conclusion, Africa’s role in shaping the global agenda will take centre stage.
As a bloc representing 85% of global GDP, over 75% of international trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population, the G20 is uniquely positioned to lead impactful initiatives such as the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.
A United Global Effort
This year’s summit reflects an ambitious vision for a more just and sustainable world, with Africa’s hunger crisis taking a prominent place in the global discourse. President Adesina’s advocacy, backed by AfDB’s actionable initiatives, is pivotal in advancing the fight against hunger and inequality.
