The International Monetary Fund has warned that food insecurity risks are rising across Nigeria and other African countries, with conflict, climate shocks and shrinking aid threatening recent economic gains.
IMF flags growing risks despite recent growth
In a new outlook, the IMF said Sub-Saharan Africa entered 2026 on relatively stable footing after recording 4.5 per cent growth in 2025.
However, the Fund warned that this progress is now under pressure due to global disruptions, including rising commodity prices and fragile fiscal conditions.
Abebe Aemro Selassie, Director of the IMF’s African Department, said prolonged conflict could weaken growth, push inflation higher and force difficult fiscal adjustments across vulnerable economies.
Food insecurity expected to worsen
The IMF stressed that the human impact could be severe, particularly as food prices continue to rise.
It warned that a 20 per cent increase in global food prices could push over 20 million people into food insecurity, while leaving millions of children at risk of acute malnutrition.
Nigeria is among countries expected to face a sharp rise, with projections showing an additional 4.1 million people could experience acute hunger in 2026.
Global hunger remains at critical levels
Findings from the 2026 Global Report on Food Crises show that 266 million people across 47 countries faced high levels of food insecurity in 2025.
The report also revealed that 35.5 million children were acutely malnourished, with nearly 10 million suffering severe conditions.
Experts warned that hunger is no longer driven by short-term shocks but by persistent crises including conflict, inflation and climate change.
Aid cuts and debt pressures worsen outlook
The IMF also highlighted a sharp decline in foreign aid, particularly in fragile states, noting that 2025 marked a major drop in support for vulnerable economies.
At the same time, rising debt levels and higher interest payments are limiting governments’ ability to respond effectively.
More than one-third of countries in the region are now at high risk of debt distress, with fiscal pressures crowding out essential spending.
Call for reforms and regional integration
To address the challenges, the IMF urged African governments to accelerate structural reforms, improve governance and deepen regional trade.
It noted that stronger integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area could help improve supply chains and boost resilience against future shocks.
The Fund maintained that without urgent action, the combined impact of conflict, climate pressures and declining aid could further destabilise already vulnerable economies.