Key address by Ecobank Foundation CEO, Elisa Desbordes, at the Nutrition for Growth Summit, in Paris, France. Nutrition is far more than a health concern. It is a catalyst for sustainable development and a powerful driver of Africa’s long-term progress.
This was the core message delivered by Elisa Desbordes, CEO of the Ecobank Foundation, during the Nutrition for Growth Summit 2025, held by the French Government in Paris on 27–28 March 2025.
The Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit is a recurring global event dedicated to tackling the critical challenge of malnutrition. It convenes governments, private sector leaders, civil society organisations, development agencies and philanthropies to reinforce collective action and accelerate progress. As the only African player invited to share its perspective during a high-level event hosted by the OECD and the Stronger Foundations for Nutrition initiative, Ecobank Foundation underscored the immense opportunities linked to nutrition, from investing in local, innovative solutions to elevating traditional African foods and creating jobs and sustainable impact. This recognition positioned the Foundation as a key voice for African-led solutions in a space often dominated by global actors.
In her remarks, she highlighted how nutrition strengthens economies, improves education outcomes and helps build more resilient health systems.
Concrete Actions for Stronger Nutrition Systems
Through key initiatives, Elisa Desbordes showed how the Ecobank Foundation is already supporting nutrition efforts across Africa.
Between 2021 and 2022, Ecobank Foundation ran the Make the Connection campaign with UNITLIFE, raising awareness of the vital importance of nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life and reaching approximately five million people across the continent.
In 2023, Foundation partnered with the World Food Programme in Guinea to provide 600 children with daily nutritious meals throughout the school year, helping them learn better and improve their overall well-being.
More recently, in 2024, Foundation hosted the “Nourish to Flourish” webinar in partnership with Power of Nutrition. The event brought together around 800 Ecobank employees, and a post-event poll revealed that 775 participants felt inspired and committed to improving their nutrition.
In closing, she called for cross-sector collaboration, inviting philanthropy, governments, the private sector and social enterprises to join forces in reimagining how nutrition can accelerate the continent’s development.
As she affirmed, “when we nourish people, we nourish possibility. And when we invest in nutrition, we invest in our future.”
Watch the full speech here: https://youtu.be/bFNOlXNG9h0?si=xhjveTx3C1I169sZ