Africa Becomes Continent With Highest Population Facing Hunger – UN

22nd July, 2026 | News

🌍 UN Report: Africa Now Has the World’s Highest Number of Hungry People

A new United Nations food security report has revealed that Africa has become the continent with the largest number of people facing hunger, overtaking Asia for the first time.

According to the report, an estimated 309 million Africans—about 20% of the continent’s population—experienced hunger in 2025, compared to 292 million people in Asia. While global hunger levels have gradually declined since 2022, Africa continues to face worsening food insecurity driven by conflicts, climate change, economic challenges, and rising food costs.

The report also found that two-thirds of Africans cannot afford a healthy diet, highlighting the growing pressure on households across the continent. Ongoing conflicts in countries such as Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, alongside extreme weather events, continue to disrupt food production and access to basic nutrition.

The UN is urging African governments to strengthen food systems, invest in agriculture, improve access to affordable nutrition, and build resilience against climate-related shocks to tackle the growing crisis.