Addis Ababa, October 7, 2026 (FMC) — The Ethiopia–Nigeria Leadership Exchange on nutrition has opened in Addis Ababa, bringing together senior leaders from the two countries to share experiences, learn from one another and strengthen African-led solutions to malnutrition.
Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Truneh and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Senator Kashim Shettima jointly opened the “Ethiopia–Nigeria Leadership Exchange: Moving the Needle on Nutrition,” alongside senior leaders from the two countries.
At the opening, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen shared Ethiopia’s experience through the Seqota Declaration and outlined key measures the country has taken to translate its commitment to improving nutrition into action.
These measures include placing nutrition under high-level political leadership, bringing health, agriculture, education, water and other sectors together under one plan, introducing costed woreda-based planning, mobilizing federal and regional financing, and strengthening performance monitoring and accountability.
He also highlighted Ethiopia’s expansion of high-impact interventions and food fortification to reach families at scale.
“Our experience has taught us a simple lesson: a priority needs a plan, a plan needs a budget, and a budget needs accountability,” Temesgen said.
He noted that as Ethiopia and Nigeria deepen their strategic partnership, the exchange provides an important opportunity for the two countries to share what works, learn from one another and strengthen African-led solutions to malnutrition.
Ultimately, he said, success will be measured by children who are healthier, better able to learn and better prepared to realize their full potential.