A Call to Zambian Enterprises to Help Eradicate Hunger

A call to Zambian enterprises to help eradicate hunger

Editorial

Lusaka, May16,2025 – WE are proud to announce that we are the first company joining the Zero Hunger Pledge based in Zambia!

Launched during the United Nations Food Systems Summit in 2021, the Zero Hunger Private Sector Pledge calls upon companies worldwide to align their investments with evidence-based solutions aimed at eradicating hunger.

The role of the private sector in ending hunger

Hunger remains a pressing challenge, with recent reports indicating that around735 million people worldwide faced hunger in 2023. In Zambia, more than 35% of the population were undernourished between 2021 and 2023. (SOFI report 2024)

Without urgent and bold action, we will witness nearly 600 million people chronically undernourished by 2030, with more than half residing in Africa. Ending hunger and malnutrition is an ambitious target, and the public sector cannot shoulder it alone. Tackling this crisis demands strong engagement from the private sector.

The Zero Hunger Private Sector Pledge

The Pledge is an initiative aimed at catalysing private investment to create social impact in the communities where companies operate. The Pledge supports communities with interventions identified in the Ceres2030 research project, that, based on scientific evidence, have the greatest impact on ending hunger.

To date, 75 companies have committed more than $642 million to projects across 51 countries, focusing on following three intervention categories identified by Ceres2030 :

• empower marginalised populations and small producers through training and resources;
• promote sustainable and economically viable farming practices;
• reduce post-harvest losses to enhance food availability.

From financial contributions and training programmes to the provision of nutritious food and a focus on children and women, the pledges span various geographies and approaches, depending on each company’s capacity and priorities.

At Kalata News, we pledge to ensure that Zambian farmers are well equipped with the right knowledge and opportunities to reduce post-harvest crop losses. This will include greater access to storage solutions for smallholder farmers.

 A call to Zambian businesses to take action

Despite the growing global commitment, the Pledge has yet to see participation from Zambian enterprises. The absence of Zambian companies in this initiative represents a missed opportunity to contribute to a cause that directly impacts local communities.

Private sector social investments can play a pivotal role in addressing critical issues such as food security, education, jobs and equality. For instance, companies can support home-grown school feeding programmes, ensuring that children receive nutritious meals that enhance their learning capabilities. Investments in agriculture and infrastructure can lead to improved productivity and reduced food waste, while funding for vocational training programmes can empower smallholder farmers, women and youth with the skills necessary for using innovative technologies and strengthening resilience to climate shocks.  By engaging in such initiatives, Zambian enterprises not only fulfil corporate social responsibilities but also foster sustainable development and economic growth within their communities.

 

As a spillover effect, these commitments also support business development. As East-West Seed – one of the companies participating in this initiative – explains, social investment makes good business sense. As the Director of East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation notes, “With access to basic inputs and knowledge, farming can become a very profitable business. It’s a win-win.”

The Zero Hunger Pledge extends an open invitation to Zambian businesses, regardless of size, to join the Zero Hunger Private Sector Pledge. By participating, your company can:

• drive meaningful change: play a pivotal role in reducing hunger and improving nutrition within Zambia and beyond;
• enhance corporate reputation: demonstrate corporate social responsibility and commitment to sustainable development goals;
• foster collaborative growth: engage with a network of like-minded organisations dedicated to creating resilient food systems.

 How to get involved

Joining the Pledge involves:

1. commitment: pledge an investment aligned with one or more of the ten high-impact intervention areas identified by the initiative;
2. implementation: execute projects that contribute to sustainable food systems and hunger eradication;
3. accountability: report on progress to ensure transparency and effectiveness.

For detailed information on how to make a pledge, visit the Zero Hunger Private Sector Pledge website.

The fight against hunger is a collective endeavour that requires the collective involvement of all parts of society. Zambian companies have a unique opportunity to lead by example and contribute to a global movement that seeks to ensure ending hunger. Join the Zero Hunger Private Sector Pledge!

Editor,

Kalata News Media

Kalatanews@gmail.com