NAIROBI, March 18 — Lesotho’s King Letsie III, serving as the African Union’s Nutrition Champion, has urged African nations to prioritize school feeding programs to combat malnutrition and enhance learning outcomes.
Speaking during a visit to a school feeding project on the outskirts of Nairobi, the king emphasized the critical role of nutrition in shaping Africa’s future workforce. He stressed that ensuring children have access to nutritious meals at school would not only improve cognitive development but also drive long-term economic growth.
With humility, a sense of service & jealous love for a prosperous and healthy African Child, His Majesty King Letsie III is witnessing impact of his work in incurbing #malnutrition on our continent. The King and Dr. @akin_adesina are visiting #Ruiru Primary School in Kenya. pic.twitter.com/CaXjTxD5JU
— Ntsiuoa oa Thatolla Sekete (@MsN_SEKETE) March 18, 2025“It is our solemn duty to ensure that every child is given the opportunity to learn, to grow, and to thrive free from the shadow of hunger and malnutrition,” he said.
The king called for school feeding initiatives to be placed at the center of Africa’s sustainable development strategy, pointing to their broader impact on education, agriculture, and economic empowerment. He noted that providing nutritious meals in schools leads to better attendance, improved learning outcomes, and supports local farmers by strengthening agricultural value chains.
He also highlighted the need for innovative and sustainable funding mechanisms to scale up these programs, urging African governments to invest in home-grown solutions that can help eradicate childhood malnutrition across the continent.
