Over 20 Million People at Risk of Food Insecurity in Sub-Saharan Africa Amid Rising Global Food Prices – IMF Warns

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised alarm over worsening food security in Sub-Saharan Africa, warning that more than 20 million people could fall into severe food insecurity due to rising global food prices. The warning comes as geopolitical tensions, particularly the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, continue to disrupt global supply chains and push up the cost of essential commodities.

According to the IMF’s latest regional outlook, a 20 percent rise in international food prices could push over 20 million people into moderate or severe food insecurity across the region. The institution also cautioned that the crisis could lead to acute malnutrition in about two million children under the age of five, highlighting the deep human impact of the economic shock.

The Fund noted that Sub-Saharan Africa began 2026 with signs of recovery, including improved inflation trends and stronger fiscal positions in some countries. Economic growth was estimated at 4.5 percent in 2025, marking the fastest expansion in a decade. However, these gains are now being threatened by rising import costs, energy price increases, and weakened trade conditions.

The IMF further warned that inflationary pressures are expected to return, with median inflation projected to rise to 5.0 percent by the end of 2026, up from 3.4 percent in 2025. It also highlighted growing debt vulnerabilities, noting that more than one-third of countries in the region are already in or at high risk of debt distress, while fiscal deficits continue to exceed sustainable levels in many economies.

Calling for urgent policy action, the IMF urged governments to strengthen social protection systems and protect vulnerable populations from the worsening cost-of-living crisis. It recommended improved revenue collection, more efficient public spending, and structural reforms aimed at boosting long-term resilience and economic diversification across the region.

source: The cable