Africa has become the continent with the highest number of people suffering from hunger, according to the UN's latest State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2026 report. Nearly 309 million Africans, or 20% of the continent's population, are facing undernourishment despite a slight improvement in hunger rates.

The report highlights that 66.6% of Africans cannot afford a healthy diet, more than double the level recorded in Asia. Climate change, armed conflicts, economic hardship, rising food prices, and the impact of the Iran conflict on energy and fertilizer costs have worsened food insecurity across the continent.

Africa becomes world's hunger epicentre | 309 Million face food crisis | UN report 2026

Africa has become the continent with the highest number of people suffering from hunger, according to the UN's latest State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2026 report. Nearly 309 million Africans, or 20% of the continent's population, are facing undernourishment despite a slight improvement in hunger rates.

The report highlights that 66.6% of Africans cannot afford a healthy diet, more than double the level recorded in Asia. Climate change, armed conflicts, economic hardship, rising food prices, and the impact of the Iran conflict on energy and fertilizer costs have worsened food insecurity across the continent.


The world is on the brink of another humanitarian crisis. A new research shows that extreme hunger is closely linked to the climate crisis. Many areas of the world being impacted by extreme weather conditions are experiencing severe food shortages.

WION Climate Tracker | Climate crisis playing vital role towards hunger problem

As a consequence of the Ukraine war, Africa has found itself bearing the brunt of food shortages and increased food prices as global-supply chains remain disrupted. But there is a new campaign, where the west and foreign leaders are seen as extending an olive branch to the continent especially former colonies. Some critics would argue it is a ploy to apologise for the wrongs in the past, while others say its neo-colonialism to counter China's influence in Africa. So, what is it that is enticing these leaders to the continent.

World Of Africa: Growing 'neo-colonialism' in Africa?

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