Regional Focus: West and Central Africa

Humanitarian needs in West and Central Africa continue to rise due to prolonged crises, the impact of climate change, catastrophic food insecurity and malnutrition, and conflict, violence and political instability. Eight countries in the region have appeals with total estimated requirements of $8.34 billion. These appeals aim to assist 34.5 million of the 65 million people in need.

The complex challenges facing West and Central Africa continue increasing from all angles. Millions of vulnerable people have fled their homes due to attacks by non-state armed groups. Thousands of vulnerable people are fleeing from Sudan to Chad and Central African Republic. The violence in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger is pushing people to seek refuge in Benin, Ghana and other coastal countries. Women and children are particularly at risk of gender-based violence, and Protection remains one of the direst needs.

To continue supporting the most vulnerable people in West and Central Africa, funding for the humanitarian response must be supported at scale. Coordinated appeal requirements for the region have increased over the years. Regional requirements have doubled since 2019 ($4.60 billion) and currently stand at $8.34 billion.

In 2024, the requirements of four plans decreased in absolute terms compared to 2023 (Cameroon –7 per cent, Central African Republic –31 per cent, Mali –7 per cent, and Nigeria –29 per cent), while increasing in the other four plans (Burkina Faso +7 per cent, Chad +22 per cent, Democratic Republic of the Congo +15 percent, and Niger +13 per cent).

The largest decrease in requirements was for the Nigeria HRP (minus 29 per cent or $385.4 million). The decrease is due to several factors, including the reduction in the number of people targeted, which currently stands at 4.4 million people.

Between 2022 and 2023, funding to the region decreased by 14 per cent, while requirements increased. This decrease was observed globally as well. All the countries in the region have experienced a reduction in funding, except Chad which had an increase of 29 per cent ($90.8 million).

Nigeria and Niger had the largest decrease in funding. Funding to the Nigeria HRP decreased by $173.2 million and a $113.7 million decrease was observed for the Niger HRP.

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