In Africa’s development discourse, few issues carry as much weight as nutrition. For Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, Executive Director of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), ensuring access to nutrition is not just a health concern — it is a strategic cornerstone for the continent’s economic transformation.
Nutrition at the Heart of Development
Dr. Tah underscores that poor nutrition undermines Africa’s long-term prospects by weakening human capital. Malnutrition not only stunts physical growth but also curtails cognitive development, diminishing productivity and limiting the potential of Africa’s vast youth population.
With more than 250 million Africans still undernourished, tackling nutrition deficits is no longer optional; it is central to achieving sustainable growth. Stronger nutrition policies, he argues, are directly tied to labour productivity, education outcomes, and the ability of communities to withstand health and economic shocks.
Health and Economic Growth Are Intertwined
Dr. Tah highlights a reality too often overlooked: the link between health and prosperity. Adequate nutrition reduces the burden of disease, lowers healthcare costs, and strengthens resilience against pandemics. Conversely, malnutrition drags down GDP growth by constraining workforce potential.
For African economies seeking to transition from subsistence to industrialisation, human capital development is as vital as infrastructure. Roads, ports, and power plants may fuel commerce, but it is a healthy, well-nourished workforce that powers the productivity engine.
Investment and Policy Action
To deliver real change, Dr. Tah calls for:
- Increased investment in nutrition-sensitive programmes across agriculture, health, and education.
- Public-private partnerships to scale food fortification, local production, and supply chain innovations.
- Policy integration, ensuring nutrition is embedded in national development strategies rather than treated as an isolated social programme.
He insists that addressing nutrition gaps is a cost-effective measure with long-term economic returns far outweighing immediate expenses.
A Call to Prioritise Human Capital
In Dr. Tah’s vision, Africa’s transformation depends not only on its mineral wealth, renewable energy, or expanding markets but also on its ability to nurture a generation capable of competing in the global economy.
“Nutrition,” he has often emphasised, “is the foundation of resilience, inclusion, and growth. Without it, Africa cannot realise its full potential.”
Building Prosperity from Within
Dr. Sidi Ould Tah’s advocacy reframes nutrition as a pillar of economic policy, not a peripheral welfare issue. By prioritising access to adequate nutrition, African governments and partners can unlock higher productivity, improve learning outcomes, and accelerate inclusive growth.
As the continent pushes towards Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Tah’s message is clear: a well-fed Africa is a prosperous Africa.
Source: Further Africa
