African leaders, researchers and development partners have launched a new continental initiative aimed at tackling rising malnutrition and diet-related diseases through stronger coordination and evidence-based policymaking.
The platform, known as the Africa Regional Collaborative for Agriculture, Nutrition and Health, was unveiled in Accra with a strong call for African countries to transform their food systems and move away from fragmented policy responses.
The launch brought together policymakers, researchers and stakeholders from Africa, Europe and North America, who stressed the need for integrated solutions that connect agriculture, nutrition, health, trade and finance.
A speech delivered on behalf of Ghana’s Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, described the initiative as a major step toward building more coordinated and action-driven food systems across the continent.
The minister noted that while food production has improved in many African countries, millions of people still lack access to nutritious diets, contributing to persistent malnutrition and increasing diet-related illnesses.
He emphasized that boosting agricultural output alone is not enough unless food policies are intentionally linked to nutrition, healthcare systems and market access.
The government, he said, remains committed to supporting evidence-based policies, climate-resilient agriculture and inclusive food systems that improve public health outcomes.
Presenting an overview of the initiative, Professor Amos Laar said the platform was created to bridge the long-standing gap between research findings and policy implementation.
He noted that many food-related decisions remain disconnected, making it difficult to address nutrition challenges effectively.
Professor Laar said the initiative will help governments design policies that improve access to affordable and healthy diets.
In her keynote address, Dr Anna Lartey urged African governments to prioritize nutrition outcomes rather than focusing solely on food production.
She warned that increasing food supply without improving diet quality would not solve malnutrition.
Former Tanzanian lawmaker Neema Lugangira also called for stronger political commitment and accountability to ensure policies produce measurable results.
Participants identified key challenges including the high cost of nutritious foods, the growing market for ultra-processed foods, and weak coordination among sectors.
They also stressed that African-led solutions, backed by regional cooperation, are essential to building healthier and more sustainable food systems across the continent.
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