The United Nations General Assembly is a significant platform for world leaders to address critical challenges.
Despite the cynicism, the politics, the posturing, things get done.
It is important for Africa – a contemporary, self-confident, self-aware Africa – is seen and heard. I was glad to be there.
Food Security Through Youth Empowerment
At this year’s UNGA in New York, we joined forces with the World Food Programme (WFP), led by my dear friend, Cindy McCain, to amplify awareness and open conversations on one of the most significant humanitarian crises in the world: hunger.
In a world where over 700 million people still go to bed hungry every night, the need for action is more urgent than ever. Hunger is not just a humanitarian issue; it is a threat to global peace and prosperity.
As I said to the leaders, philanthropists, and changemakers gathered by the Tony Elumelu Foundation and WFP at our event, no one should live in a world where food scarcity is a way of life. Every person, regardless of where they are born, deserves access to food, which is the foundation of dignity, health, and stability.
At the Tony Elumelu Foundation, we believe that entrepreneurship is a powerful tool to fight hunger, especially across the African continent. Our impact tells a story of long-term solution to this crisis. Since inception, TEF has empowered over 20,000 young entrepreneurs across Africa, with seed funding, mentorship, and business training, to tackle critical challenges in Africa. These entrepreneurs are not just building businesses—they are transforming communities and tackling food insecurity head-on. To date they have created 400,000 jobs, addressing issues such as food security and providing for families and communities. We have supported 7,400 young African men and women, in the area of food security. These young leaders are improving food availability, not only for their families but for entire communities.
This is transformation, and it is just the beginning.
To truly eradicate hunger, we must create more jobs, equip our youth with the skills and resources they need, and empower them to lead the charge in creating sustainable solutions. When we empower our youth, we ensure a future where no one has to suffer from hunger.
Women Empowerment: Key to Ending Hunger
Hunger and inequality are deeply interconnected, and one of the most powerful ways to combat both is by empowering women. Women are not just the backbone of their families; they are essential drivers of social and economic growth. Yet, too often, they are excluded from opportunities.
At TEF, we are committed to closing the gender gap by supporting women entrepreneurs. These women are reshaping industries, improving livelihoods, and creating ripple effects of change throughout their communities. When we empower women, we empower entire communities, and we take another step toward ending global hunger.
Over 48% of our beneficiaries are female – our women for Africa Programme with the EU has empowered over 2,400 women with another 1,800 beneficiaries in 2024/25.
Ending Hunger Together
Partnership is critical in achieving the goal of zero hunger. No one can do it alone.
That is why our session, at one of the most significant platforms in the world, was important for us. Thanks, WFP, for joining with us. Thank you for the example and work you do.
On behalf of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, I pledged our commitment to joining forces with the World Food Programme to advocate for solutions to address this critical issue and to drive change, through our programmes.
The fight against hunger requires all of us—governments, businesses, philanthropists, and individuals—to come together. Together, we will work to end hunger and build a future where every person has access to the food they need to live a life of dignity. We must unite our efforts, scale up our actions, and commit to making hunger a thing of the past.
