The African Union Commission (AUC), in partnership with the Government of the Central African Republic (CAR) and various development partners, recently marked the 10th Anniversary of the African Day of School Feeding (ADSF) in Bangui, CAR. The theme for this significant event was “A Decade of Nourishment: Celebrating the Past, Securing a Just Future,” highlighting the progress made in implementing school feeding programs across the continent over the past decade.
The official African Day of School Feeding is recognized on March 1 by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union. Since its endorsement by AU Member States in 2016, ADSF has emphasized the importance of school feeding programs in improving education, child well-being, and food security in Africa.
The commemoration in Bangui was attended by H.E. Faustin-Archange Touadéra, President of the Central African Republic, and H.E. Prof. Mohammed Belhocine, AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI), along with representatives from the World Food Programme (WFP), AUDA-NEPAD, and other key partners. Ministers of Education and Agriculture from AU Member States, international organizations, development partners, and stakeholders also participated in the event.
During the commemoration, H.E. Simplice Aurélien Zingas, Minister of Education of the CAR, reiterated his country’s commitment to expanding access to nutritious meals for schoolchildren. Commissioner Belhocine highlighted the AU’s dedication to scaling up homegrown school feeding programs as part of Agenda 2063, ensuring that every child has access to quality education and meals. The Bangui Declaration, presented at the event, reaffirmed AU Member States’ commitments to strengthening domestic financing for school feeding, integrating local agricultural production into meal programs, and enhancing multi-sectoral coordination.
International partners also shared insights at the event. Fernanda Pacobahyba, President of the National Fund for the Development of Education of Brazil, emphasized the partnership between Brazil and the AU on school feeding programs. The Executive Director of the World Food Programme, Cindy McCain, commended African governments for their leadership in school feeding, noting the increase in the number of children benefiting from these programs across the continent.
The African Union launched the “#AfricaEducatesHer” campaign during the commemoration, focusing on promoting girls’ education and addressing barriers such as poverty and gender discrimination. This initiative reinforces the AU’s commitment to inclusive education and empowering young girls in Africa.
The event concluded with a school visit where H.E. President Touadéra showcased projects supporting homegrown school feeding. The delegation witnessed the impact of school feeding programs on student retention and academic performance, engaging with students, educators, and community members.
Looking ahead, the African Union and its partners are dedicated to expanding access to quality education and nutrition for all children in Africa. Investment, policy implementation, and cooperation at regional and global levels will be crucial in ensuring that every African child receives the education and nutrition they deserve.
