The importance of school feeding programs and conducive learning environments took center stage during a key breakout session at the Continental Education Conference, which kickstarted on December 9, 2024 in Nouakchott, Mauritania, with experts highlighting the transformative potential of integrated approaches to education in Africa.

Dr. Hameed Nuru, Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) African Union Global Office, presented compelling evidence about the impact of school feeding initiatives across the continent. He revealed that in 2022, approximately 66 million African children received school meals, demonstrating the extensive reach of these programs. Notably, 84 percent of school feeding programs in Africa are funded by national governments, showing strong domestic commitment to these initiatives.

The economic impact of these programs was particularly striking, with Dr. Nuru revealing that every dollar invested in school feeding yields a return of up to $35, making it one of the most cost-effective interventions in education. This return on investment encompasses improved learning outcomes, enhanced health metrics, and broader economic benefits for local communities.