Ethiopia Calls for Regional Cooperation to Combat Food Insecurity Across Africa

Ethiopia, hosting the 2nd UN Food Systems Summit Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+4), has emphasized the need for stronger regional cooperation to combat food insecurity and promote sustainable food systems across Africa. President Taye AtskeSelassie highlighted Ethiopia's national initiatives, including the Green Legacy Initiative, which has planted over 32 billion trees since 2019, and reaffirmed the country's commitment to food sovereignty through expanding irrigation and empowering smallholder farmers. The summit brought together leaders from across Africa, who echoed the need for collaborative action to address hunger and malnutrition.

Key Takeaways:

• Ethiopia has called for stronger regional cooperation to combat food insecurity and promote sustainable food systems across Africa, using the platform of the 2nd UN Food Systems Summit Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+4).
• The country has been implementing bold strategies to reverse food insecurity, including the Green Legacy Initiative, which has planted over 32 billion trees since 2019.
• President Taye AtskeSelassie emphasized that transforming food systems in the face of rising hunger, climate shocks, and economic instability requires urgent and united action across the continent.
• Leaders from across Africa, including Kenya and Somalia, urged investment in research, innovation, and climate-adapted farming technologies.
• The summit concluded with a call on the international community to support African-led initiatives and commit to shared responsibility in addressing hunger and malnutrition.

Statistics:

• Over 32 billion trees have been planted in Ethiopia under the Green Legacy Initiative since 2019.
• Agriculture employs over 80 percent of Somalia's population.
• Climate shocks and economic instability pose significant challenges to food systems across Africa.

Sources:

• Ethiopian Press Agency, 30 Jul 2025
• 2nd UN Food Systems Summit Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+4).protocol