Food donation./PHOTO; Courtesy
As Ramadan begins, African countries battling conflict, hunger, and climate shocks are among the key beneficiaries of a global food assistance drive targeting more than half a million people worldwide.
Islamic Relief Worldwide has launched its annual Ramadan programme, aiming to deliver food packs to at least 535,000 people in 34 countries, with significant support directed to African nations facing acute humanitarian pressures.
Focus on hunger hotspots
In Sudan, where nearly three years of war have triggered what aid agencies describe as the world’s largest hunger crisis, at least 32,000 people are expected to receive Ramadan food assistance.
Parts of the country have slipped into famine conditions, with families struggling to access basic staples.
Ethiopia and South Sudan are also among the African countries receiving support, as communities contend with the combined impact of conflict, displacement, and climate-related shocks.
In Nigeria, continued insecurity in some regions has left many households reliant on humanitarian aid, while in Malawi, economic strain and extreme weather have worsened food insecurity for vulnerable families.
In Kenya, Ramadan food packs include locally appropriate staples such as rice, sugar, oil, dates, and beans.
Across African countries, the packs typically weigh between 50 and 90 kilogrammes, enough to sustain an average family throughout the holy month.
Faith-based giving fills funding gaps
The campaign comes at a time when global aid budgets are tightening. Islamic charitable giving, known as zakat, peaks during Ramadan.
Zakat is estimated at between $550 billion and $600 billion annually a figure often cited as exceeding the combined international aid budgets of G7 countries.
Affan Cheema, Director of International Programmes at Islamic Relief Worldwide, said the generosity of Muslim communities is helping cushion vulnerable families at a time of shrinking public aid.
“When so many governments are cutting aid it is heartening to see Muslim communities all over the world show such compassion and humanity,” he said, noting that millions are facing one of their toughest Ramadans due to war, inequality, and climate change.
Aid organisations say such faith-based contributions are playing an increasingly important role in filling funding gaps left by shrinking government assistance.
Such giving helps in providing critical relief to families facing one of their most difficult periods in years.
Beyond food distribution
In addition to distributing food packs, Islamic Relief is providing cash transfers and vouchers in several African countries, enabling families to buy food locally while supporting struggling markets.
Community iftar meals are also being organised to allow families to break their fast together.
Founded in 1984, Islamic Relief Worldwide operates in nearly 40 countries and supported more than 14 million people in 2024.
With humanitarian needs rising across parts of Africa, the organisation says additional donations could help expand its Ramadan reach even further this year.
